Modern-day slavery exists. How far would you walk to escape human slavery? Would your answer change if you were a child, not a capable, strong, knowledgeable adult? Teacher Barry Jurgensen is walking 500 miles across three states, to call attention to, and reduce, the vulnerability of children to human trafficking.
On Thursday, June 23, 2016, Jurgensen will arrive in Morrison, IL, for an overnight stay. He will speak at Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, at 2:00 p.m. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served by 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, and found freedom in Chicago, IL. In true Underground Railroad fashion, his 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.
His trek–like that of the formerly enslaved girls–covers 500 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.
- Linda Smith, Project Assistant 515-462-4305
- Amber Sims, 402-980-0842.