Her Journey to Freedom: Helping young readers understand colonial slavery

320 Monument Street,Concord MA 01742

16 October, 2021

Description

Ray Shepard and educator Nikki Turpin will look at the inspiring story of Ona Judge. Author Ray Shepard and educator Nikki Turpin will look at the inspiring story of Ona Judge and how her daring escape during colonial times speaks to all of us in search of racial justice. Examining Ona’s story as well as the stories of those who resided at Robbins House, we will support not only young readers as they think about the lives of those from the past but also support parents as they continue to grapple with similar issues in today’s world. Ray Anthony Shepard’s picture book biography Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge (FSG, 2021) received starred reviews in Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, Booklist called it “a fine addition for all collections,” and it was highlighted in the Boston Sunday Globe. Ray’s young adult biography of the first African American Civil War correspondents, Now or Never!, 54th Massachusetts Infantry’s War to End Slavery (Calkins Creek, 2017) received starred reviews, was a Carter J. Woodson Honor Book, was listed by Kirkus as one of the best books of the year, and was named by the Massachusetts Center for the Book as a Must Read. www.rayanthonyshepard.com The Robbins House is a Concord-based nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness of Concord’s African, African American, and antislavery history from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Our mission is to reveal the little known African American history of Concord and its regional and national importance. Our vision is to inspire conversation, expand understanding and contribute to a better society.