In the early 1800s, slave catchers were hunting our people. When they arrived at the Boston home of Lewis Hayden, they had their sights set on Ellen and William Craft. If the Craft name sounds familiar, maybe it’s because you already know the incredible story of how this couple disguised themselves to escape from a Georgia plantation. But you might not have heard this part of their story.
Hayden, an escapee turned abolitionist, sheltered hundreds of enslaved people on their journeys to freedom. When slave catchers came for the Crafts, Hayden let them in on an explosive secret.
He warned hunters that he’s stashed kegs of gunpowder throughout his home, an Underground Railroad stop, and anyone who tried to run up would get blown up. Hayden refused to surrender his people or surrender to the system. And it worked.
Lewis and his wife Harriet kept the Crafts safe until they could get to England. Let Lewis and Harriet’s legacy be a reminder that no matter what, we must stick together to fight the oppressive systems we're up against.
We've always been each other's business. Leaning on our community is what we do. Close your eyes and imagine what your life would look like if we all committed to protecting each other, no matter what.