Seeking Freedom

In observation of Black History Month, my wife, Rachel, a teacher at the San Fernando Child Care Center, read a short biography of Harriet Tubman to her preschool students. Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery at a young age and went on to become a highly successful “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, a network of way stations through which slaves were transported to the free states.

After reading the biography, Rachel discussed the story and asked a few questions. When she asked if any of the kids had ever heard of anything similar or related to this, several little Mexican hands were eagerly raised. They had several tales of various “coyotes” that had transported them through the Mexican border into the United States.

JOE GIL

Pacoima