Sweet Chariot Program Explores Underground Railroad History

Sweet Chariot is part of the @Home series of programs organized and sponsored by University Housing.

This program will be an exploration of the Underground Railroad through exhibits, faculty-led discussion and themed activities. Those who wish to attend the program can find a "conductor" in front of Brough Dining, Fulbright Dining, Yocum Hall lobby and the Connections Lounge in the Arkansas Union and the Union third floor Food Court to direct them to the Yocum Hall basement where the event will be held at 7 p.m. today.

Attendees of the program have the opportunity to walk through and observe artifacts such as letters, maps, pictures, hymnals, quilts and historical information about the Underground Railroad, as well as engage with professors and scholars.

There will be an opportunity to solve a quilt puzzle featuring symbols actually used in the Underground Railroad and collaborate to create a quilt reflecting on the event that will be displayed after the program. After walking through and participating in the activities, participants can join in a reflection activity. The reflections will be facilitated by U of A faculty and staff.

The Underground Railroad was a network of people who worked together to help escaped slaves find their way to freedom in North America and Canada. It was established in the late 18th century and continued to function up until the Civil War in 1861.

Individuals who helped the slaves were called conductors. These were ordinary people like farmers, ministers, business owners and even escaped slaves who came back to help other slaves gain their freedom.

Quilts were also used by conductors as a form of communication to the slaves with directions to safe houses. The quilts would often be hung outside on barns or clothes lines for fugitive slaves to see and interpret. Although the Underground Railroad was instrumental in helping many slaves gain their freedom, it was not always successful.

About @Home: Sweet Chariot is a diversity program in University Housing's @Home series. The @Home series consists of signature events during the 2018-2019 academic year that focus on promoting academic success, personal development and diversity education.

About University Housing. University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 5,700 on-campus students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support the success of students and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. Living on campus starts with a housing contract.

About the Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students with housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.