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#FreedomWalk2026

May 4 - July 4

#FreedomWalk2026

“We Make the Path by Walking It” –inspired by Antonio Machado

A modern-day retracing of the Underground Railroad to Canada, on the 30th anniversary of historian Anthony Michael Cohen’s 1996 walk.

#FreedomWalk2026 is an 8-week long travelling commemoration of the Underground Railroad, where participants will retrace the route to freedom in the footsteps of 19th century self-liberators. This once-in-a-lifetime event will be led by The Menare Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Coming to the Table and Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth during the nation’s Semiquincentennial commemoration in 2026. He has a traveling minute from Sandy Springs Meeting in Maryland.

Walk Map and Dates (scroll down)

There are many ways to participate in #FreedomWalk2026 whether in person or remotely. See their different options below & the associate linked forms.

Our walk team, led by historian Anthony Cohen—who first walked the route in 1996—will trek 750 miles journey by foot, boat and rail using modes of transport of the original freedom seekers. The walk will launch from Sandy Spring, MD on May 4, 2026, on the 30th anniversary of the original walk, and conclude in Ontario, Canada on July 4, 2026.

Each week we will establish our base of operation in a different city along the way, where we will co-host events with local communities around the themes of history and community empowerment. Events will include teach-ins, service projects, lectures, installations and tours as well as opportunities for the public to walk with our team.

The Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom statue, depicting the famed abolitionist on a harrowing rescue mission, will also accompany the walk. The large bronze sculpture, designed in 2019 by artist Wesley Wofford, evokes our nation’s ceaseless struggle for freedom, and will serve as a focal point for participants to reflect, engage and unite.

The 740-mile walk is a collaboration between The Menare Foundation and Coming to the Table | Taking America Beyond the Legacy of Enslavementas a learning and service journey – a way of engaging communities in public history, dialogue, and civic reflection.

About the Walk

Join the Journey 

Walk Media

Support or Join the Walk

BASE STATIONS

If you can help us secure housing in these locations we want to hear from you. Base Stations will be established in the following cities: Maryland-Sandy Spring and Baltimore; Pennsylvania-Philadelphia; New York-Poughkeepsie, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

COMMUNITY ACTIVATIONS/WEEKEND PROGRAMS
Community Activations are weekend events held at each Base Station city along the walk. Activations will include presentations, community walks, art, performance, service projects and a chance to meet the Walk Team. Check the list to see if you live in or near a Base Station city and fill out the form to help organize an Activation Day.
GRANT A WISH
Travelers on the Underground Railroad often made the journey with little more than the clothes on their backs. With your help we strive to be well-prepared when taking to the road in 2026. View our Wish List to see how you can contribute to the success of the walk.
JOIN THE JOURNEY
Join the Journey as a Companion Walker during select times along the 8-week journey. The Walk Team will travel an average of 12 miles per day and up to 6 days each week. The experience will be rigorous but we welcome you to come out and put your best foot forward.
SOLIDARITY EVENTS
Solidarity Events are your way to support the project in locations not directly on the walk route. Host an event, program or solidarity walk in your own hometown and let us know how you honored the Underground Railroad.

Details

Other

Event Organizer
Anthony Cohen