We had the opportunity to read the book Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters’

Escape from Nebraska Territory. This book is about two enslaved women who, in November

1858, used the Underground Railroad to escape from enslavement in Nebraska. As many are not

aware, the case was part of the narrative with the proslavery and antislavery conflict in Nebraska.

We will interview the author and invite others to read the book and participate in this wonderful

discussion with Gail Shaffer Blankenau, who will respond to a series of questions from A’Jamal

Byndon, Chairman of MORE. We invite others to either ask questions related to the book or

make comments during the second part of the program.

During the past few years, MORE has hosted and sponsored an African American history

workshop to help Nebraskan African Americans and others to appreciate the rich contributions

and experiences of African Americans in Nebraska. As we engaged with many historians over

the years, we came across this book, which depicts African Americans fighting alongside

national groups and individuals to gain their freedom from oppression.

Participants can get a copy of the book from the sources below or their favorite bookstore. This

event will be on July 22, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Gail S. Blankenau

Author: Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters &; Escape from Nebraska Territory

University of Nebraska Press Bison Books Spring 2024

Available at all major booksellers and at Bison Books: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/bison-

books/9781496231529/journey-to-freedom/

2025 Midwest Book Award Finalist in Nonfiction History

2025 Winner of Nebraska Book Award in Nonfiction History

Co-writer and editor:

2025 Richard C. Tomlinson Overall Grand Prize, awarded by the Connecticut Society of

Genealogists, Inc. for The Nickerson Family Part 5:Samuel

Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters' Escape from Nebraska's Territory.