Profiles in Black History: Meet William Still

Who He Is:

William Still (Born October 7th, 1821- July 14th 1902) was a abolitionist conductor on the underground railroad, a civil rights activist, a historian, writer (and in my opinion a quite a handsome fellow).

He is the son of two great African Americans that escaped the indignity of slavery (Charity and Levin Still) and the youngest of 18 (damn y’all!)

Why He’s Amazing:

He’s referred to as the Father of the Underground Railroad. He helped over 800 people escape slavery and interviewed and kept records on each person that passed through. These records are a gold mine in helping modern historians understand the underground railroad and American slavery. Harriet Tubman passed through his office a number of times.

And after slavery ended he put his focus on uplifting black youth. He help established an orphanage and the first YMCA for African Americans.

Fun Fact:

Still’s oldest daughter Caroline Matilda Still became a doctor. She attended Oberlin College and the Women’s Medical College of Philadelphia (much later the Medical College of Pennsylvania). She was a black female doctor in 19th century American. Can we slow clap it the fuck out for this woman?

There was also a musical produced about his life called Stand By the River.

So Now You Wanna Know More:

PBS’s made a documentary
Project Gutenberg has a free copy of his book The Underground Railroad (which documents the stories of the 800+ people he helped escaped into freedom
A more in depth online biography from Temple University
Afrakan history