AUBURN, NY — Pastor Ted Freeman, Jr., descendant of Auburn’s co-founders Harry and Kate Freeman, is soon to return to Auburn for an unforgettable homecoming during International Underground Railroad Month.
From Sept. 14–17, 2022, Freeman will host events across Auburn sharing his new book, God’s Free-man, An American Tale of Perseverance: A Life in Service. Freeman calls his book “a historical presentation guided by God that delineates the capture of Harry and Kate Freeman.” He explains how the Freemans were captured as slaves from Guinea, Africa, but lived as indentured servants in the young village of Auburn and founded New Guinea, one of the first Black settlements in Upstate New York.
Freeman’s deep dive into his family history shows the importance of the first Black families to the development of Auburn into a city and how Harry and Kate created a monumental Underground Railroad terminal.
The public is invited to join Ted Freeman throughout his free book tour by attending these local gatherings:
Wednesday, September 14 at 6 p.m.
Planting and Nurturing Love: Meet and Greet
Booker T. Washington Community Center (23 Chapman Avenue, Auburn, NY 13021)
Donations to the center are welcomed.
Thursday, September 15 at 10 a.m.
Completing the Puzzle: Key to the City of Auburn Ceremony
Memorial City Hall (24 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021)
Mayor Quill will present Ted Freeman with keys to the city.
Thursday, September 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Honoring Auntie Harriet, a Woman of Courage: Discussion
Harriet Tubman Home (180 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021)
Donations to the Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. are encouraged.
Saturday, September 17 at 1 p.m.
Supporting Each Other Through Love: God's Free-Man Book Talk & Signing
Auburn Public Theater (8 Exchange Street, Auburn, NY 13021)
Donations to the theater are encouraged.
