Detroit Honors Heroes of the Underground Railroad with Postal Stamps

This Saturday marks an important event as the U.S. Postal Service, Detroit Postal Customer Council, and The Detroit River Project come together to celebrate ten individuals who were pivotal in guiding enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. This clandestine network, known for its secret routes and safehouses, served as a lifeline for those seeking liberation before the Civil War. The ceremony will introduce a set of commemorative stamps showcasing esteemed abolitionists such as Catharine Coffin, Frederick Douglass, Thomas Garrett, Laura Haviland, Lewis Hayden, Harriet Jacobs, William Lambert, Rev. Jermain Loguen, William Still, and Harriet Tubman. William Lambert, a notable figure from Detroit, is especially recognized for his leadership within the abolitionist movement. Using codes, passwords, and secret handshakes, Lambert was key in navigating enslaved individuals towards freedom via the Underground Railroad’s intricate network. The tireless work of these individuals, often referred to as the ‘network to freedom,’ involved constant risks of detection and arrest in their mission to realize the dream of freedom for those denied their basic rights. Lambert’s impact extended beyond his Underground Railroad activities. As a co-founder of Detroit Anti-Slavery Society in 1837, he brought together influential members from both Black and White communities, including...