PURE Celebrates Black History Month
In honor of February being Black History Month, a local center is teaching the community about the underground railroad.
Sunday at the Putnam Underground Railroad Education Center, Kathy Brantley, held a program on "What would Addy do?". Featuring a reading of the book Addy’s World to a group of young women. The book follows escaped slave, Addy, as she goes through the underground railroad.
"We would like for everyone to understand the role in which the abolitionists played just like in this area, in Putnam, that they played to help slaves escape to freedom. We would like everyone to leave with an idea that if someone is in need they too can help," says Brantley.
Brantley says she wants people to understand the importance of giving back. The PURE Center will be holding a program every Sunday throughout February featuring various speakers. The topics will explore the underground railroad and the history of the Putnam area and are listed below:
Feb. 14th- Dr. David Mitzel, Muskingum Co. Community Foundation
Feb. 21st- Prof. Michael Kline, History of the Underground Railroad
Feb. 28th- Dr. Anita Jackson & Gary Felumlee, "Visions of Africa" & History of Putnam
Brantley says it is important adults and students know the national and local history of the underground railroad.
"The schools can’t teach you everything, but our libraries are full of beautiful books that can help," says Brantley.
The PURE Center will be open every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Admission is donation-based. If you would like to book a tour call 740-450-3100.
Katie Jeffries
