#FREEDOMWALK2026 is a modern-day retracing of the
Underground Railroad celebrating the 30th anniversary of Historian
Anthony Michael Cohen’s inaugural journey of the same route. We are
excited that Poughkeepsie was chosen as one of only ten cities where Tony
and his team will establish their base of operations!
JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
May 27, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Local Walk #1: The Role of Local Churches in the Anti-Slavery Movement
Gather at the Family Partnership Center parking lot, 29 North Hamilton St. This walk will highlight the
places of worship and people that were influential in the anti-slavery movement, including Smith
Metropolitan AME Zion Church, First Congregational Church, and Second Baptist Church. In case of
rain, an indoor program is planned at the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, 67 South Randolph Ave.,
from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
May 28, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Oakwood Friends School, 22 Spackenkill Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601
A Bonfire Gathering with Historian Anthony Michael Cohen
Please join us for moments of silence, song, and a sharing from Tony Cohen about his journey - what
it was like in the past, what it is like today, and what it stands for now, in this particular day and time.
May 29, gather at 3:45 pm, program starts promptly at 4:00 pm
Local Walk #2: River Trail to Freedom and Walkway Over the Hudson
Please join us at the Celebrating the African Spirit memorial in Waryas Park, then
walk to Upper Landing Park, across the Walkway Over the Hudson, and end at the
Sojourner Truth statue to highlight the history of the anti-slavery movement and
influential leaders in our area. In case of rain, an indoor program is planned at the
UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, 67 South Randolph Avenue, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
May 31, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Family Partnership Center, 29 North Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
The community is joyously invited to celebrate this historic journey with Tony Cohen and his team.,
This event will honor the courage, hope, faith and unity that shaped this pivotal chapter in American
history with a welcome from Mayor Yvonne Flowers, blessing, music, reflections, remarks from Tony
Cohen and refreshments.
#FREEDOMWALK2026 launches from Sandy Spring, Maryland on May 4
and concludes in Ontario, Canada on July 4. For more information see:
https://www.menare.org/freedomwalk2026-about
Events are free, no registration necessary, meet at event place and time.
Gillespie Forum is a co-sponsor for #FreedomWalk2026.