Modern-day slavery exists. How far would you walk to escape human slavery? Would your answer change if you were a child–rather than a capable, strong, knowledgeable adult? This summer, teacher Barry Jurgensen is walking more than 500 miles across three states, to call attention to, and reduce, the vulnerability of children to human trafficking.
On Thursday, June 23, 2016, Jurgensen and a former student, ??, walked into Morrison, IL, for an overnight stay. He spoke at Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, at 2:00 p.m., as guest of Morrison Historical Society.
Jurgensen’s “Walk Forever Free” journey traces the known route of two 1858 teenage girls, Eliza and Celia, who escaped their slave master in Nebraska City, NE. It is verified that Eliza found employment in Chicago, IL. What became of Celia is unknown. In true Underground Railroad fashion, Jurgensen’s success depends on the organization and kindness of strangers, whom he will likely never meet again, within the counties he crosses and the communities he visits. He spent the evening with family friends, ? and ? Boeck.
His trek–like that of the formerly enslaved girls–covers 527 miles. Jurgensen stated he averages 16 miles a day, as he connects messages of historical and modern-day slavery.
He has partnered with the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (fdfi.org), a public charity (501(c)3) dedicated to “advancing freedom through knowledge and strategic action. Jurgensen’s goal is to raise $50 per mile to for FDFI.
Questions are welcomed at WalkForeverFree@gmail.com.