The Friends of Freedom

The Friends of Freedom is a fictionalized historical novel based on true events and inspired by the heroism of a remarkable inter-faith and multi-racial group of men and women. The story begins in antebellum Philadelphia when the city was a hotbed for the abolitionist movement and a major crossroads for the Underground Railroad. The novel's main characters were real life "free persons of color" and high-minded whites who fought to eradicate slavery as a socially accepted and legalized practice. In defiance of the law and at great personal risk, these activists tried to elevate the conscience of the nation and sacrificed life and limb to promote legislative reform while secretively helping fugitive slaves escape from bondage and resettle in the northern states and Canada.

The novel centers on a turbulent and decisive forty-year period, 1837-77, which encompasses the antebellum period (1837-1860), the Civil War years (1861-1865) and the Reconstruction era (1865-1877). During this period, the volatile and irrepressible debate over slavery intensified and ultimately led to a bloody civil war. At the conclusion of the war, Philadelphia and the nation as a whole had to heal deep ideological and sectional wounds. In addition, the city had to adjust to the sweeping transformations brought about by industrialization and urbanization and the steady influx of European immigrants in pursuit of the American dream. Philadelphia like so many other urban centers became a thriving social "melting pot" and experienced the stresses and strains of assimilating and educating a culturally and racially diverse citizenry.

Intercultural tensions and racial hostilities proliferated and led to constant social turmoil and recurring violence. It was a time when responsible political, educational and religious leadership was sorely needed. It was then that a courageous group of leaders and committed activists step to the fore. They boldly confront widespread political repression, racism and apathy at every turn. Activists face great danger and many obstacles, but nonetheless, forcefully advocate for full citizenship rights and expanded educational opportunities before and after the chaotic post-war, reconstruction period.

Friends of Freedom describes how conscientious citizens bravely upheld the lofty principles of American freedom and democracy during a time of great calamity and uncertainty. On a deeper level, this novel highlights how and why their deep-seated commitments enabled them to persevere and vehemently oppose slavery and promote social reforms that eventually changed the course of human history. 

Philadelphia was the geographical focal point for many of the national social and political struggles that were waged during this time. However, This book offers far more than a localized political history of the city. Most importantly, this book is an uplifting tale about the battle for the heart and soul of a nation and a remembrance of the unrelenting quest for a greater America. In this regard, it deepens students' understanding of history and illuminates the meaning of the extraordinary sacrifices in an era when American democracy was on trial and political outcomes were anything but certain. In essence, it is a reflection on a time when (to quote president Abraham Lincoln), Americans align themselves with the "better angels of our nature" and uphold the essential rights and protections of democracy for all citizens.