RGV to Host First ‘Walking Southern Roads to Freedom’ Event March 3-9
Staff Report
Edinburg, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley will hold its first-ever “Walking Southern Roads to Freedom” event from March 3 to March 9, highlighting the region’s historical role in the journey to freedom for African Americans seeking refuge in Mexico.
An information session about the event is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. at the ACE Center in Edinburg (315 W. McIntyre St.). Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more and participate in discussions.
The seven-day, 60-mile walk aims to raise awareness of the resilience of freedom seekers of African ancestry who traveled through South Texas along underground railroad-like routes. The event is organized in partnership with local community groups dedicated to preserving the Valley’s rich history concerning people of color.
Roseann Bacha-Garza, manager of the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, said the walk was inspired by the Valley’s recent National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom designation, recognizing the Jackson Ranch Church and Martin Jackson Cemetery.
“Our goal is to increase awareness about the resilience and resolve of freedom seekers and highlight the shared history of our region,” Bacha-Garza said.
Participants will visit several historic landmarks in Hidalgo County, including La Sal del Rey, the Restlawn African American Historic Cemetery, City of Alamo Central Park, Webber Ranch Cemetery, Jackson Ranch Church, Martin and Eli Jackson cemeteries, and Bethel Garden Community Park. Educational sessions on Black history will be held throughout the walk, with daily reflections, songs, and fellowship.
The event will include an international component on March 8 as walkers cross the Hidalgo-McAllen International Bridge into Reynosa, Mexico, for a commemorative event at the Plaza Principal. The stop will honor Mexico’s role in offering refuge to those fleeing slavery.
Linda Harris, director of programming at the Harriet Tubman Museum Educational Center and organizer of several “walks to freedom” across the U.S., said she was inspired to bring the event to the Rio Grande Valley to honor the courage of those who sought freedom.
The walk will conclude on March 9 with a celebration and concert at Bethel Garden Park in McAllen’s La Paloma neighborhood.
For more information, contact Linda Harris at [email protected] or 310-310-3296, or Roseann Bacha-Garza at [email protected] or 956-578-5083.
Source – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley CHAPS Program