The stories of freedom seekers that are at the heart of this project are based on deep historical research. The artistic work featured here complements these stories, with different kinds of creative work based upon individual stories. We believe that this creative work can inspire reflections and insights that are qualitatively different from those triggered by the stories. By producing both stories and artistic work in different media Freedom Seekers can facilitate a multi-faceted examination of escape from slavery, and a deeper understanding of the meanings of freedom and independence in the new American republic. We believe that this work will also prompt reflection on how race affects understanding and experience of freedom in America two-and-one-half centuries after independence.
The artistic work is being produced by student Freedom Seekers Creative Research Fellows, who each take as their inspiration a particular story and the advertisement on which it is based. Explore individual artistic projects by clicking on the tiles below.
Check back regularly for more creative work coming this Spring 2026….