This timeframe in American history, lends promise and restructure to strengthening the American consciousness. As descendants of pivotal inflection points of Emancipation, the present and future state of our collective belonging is deeply rooted in the appreciation of our history, and our path to future contributions. As an advocate for truth and comprehensive discovery, we should all recognize the importance of accurate storytelling to educate and heighten awareness. When crafted with care, documented filmmaking can be such a useful tool, providing unity through discovery and dialogue.

Join us as this PBS documentary recounts gripping ancestral stories passed down to descendants of enslavement and self-emancipation during the early days of the Civil War. These families openly share first-hand accounts of how their forefathers found refuge in being some of the first Contrabands at Fort Monroe in Hampton Virginia. Homage is paid to the first three Contrabands, Frank Baker, Shepard Mallory and James Townsend who paved the way with the help of key historical figures, including Fort Monroe’s General Benjamin F. Butler.