Sweet Chariot

The program, Sweet Chariot, is an opportunity for students to experience the Underground Railroad by challenging students to find the event as the "station," which were places anti-slavery activists used to assist enslaved people escape from slavery to the North. We plan to have volunteers as "conductors" (anti-slavery activists) to direct interested attendees to the event from various "stations" (indoor locations) around campus, to Yocum Hall.  Upon entering, students will be able to participate in activities relating to the Underground Railroad such as engaging with faculty members from the African and African American Studies department, viewing educational exhibits from the subject, and solving a quilt puzzle featuring symbols actually used by the Underground Railroad. The student will also have to opportunity to contribute to the discussion on the history of the Underground Railroad by collaborating with others to create a large quilt for display in the community. Inside the event, we will have areas for display of artifacts, pictures, letters, songs, and maps for students to view and another area that will feature quilts and symbols used for the escape routes. At the end of the event, the attendees will have the opportunity to have a group discussion about their experience, thoughts, and lessons learned from the event with faculty members from the University of Arkansas who teach on the subject.