OCTOBER 25, 2002

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD WALKS THROUGH RAHWAY 

RAHWAY – The Rahway High School JROTC and color guards welcomed Secretary of State Regena Thomas and her marchers to our city on Wednesday, Oct. 9, during a 14 day walk across New Jersey recreating the escape route for slaves on the historic Underground Railroad.  The marchers proceeded down Jaques Avenue to Veterans Field, passing Ebenezer AME Church and the old “School House for Colored Children” on Central Avenue, ending the day program that included a brief note on Rahway’s historic sites and readings by students.  The event was hosted by former Fourth Ward Councilman and County Freeholder Walter McLeod and featured a presentation to Secretary Thomas from school board member Deb Bridges, who also manages the Bridges Book Center on Main Street.  State Treasurer John McCormac also joined Secretary Thomas and the walkers on October 9.

”Our Rahway JROTC was ready and welcomed the visitors and marchers to our city in a display fit for heroes,” said Linda Freeman, one of the local organizers of the march.  The program was collaboration by the Board of Education, Rahway Branch NAACP, Mayor James Kennedy’s office, Bridges Book Center and the community.

The marchers began their walk at 8:30 am Thursday, October 10 from the Rahway River Park, where Kennedy and Freeholder Chester Holmes spoke about the significance of the route to Rahway High School and Middle School students who participated in the morning program.  They were joined by state Agriculture Secretary Charles Kuperus.

The marchers left the park cheered on by Franklin School children enroute to Elizabeth, where they we met by Mayor Chris Bollwage.

“It was a wonderful send off and a historic moment for Rahway,” said one observer.

Check out full details on the Internet at www.state.nj.us/state/undergroundrailroad/map .

Click here to view more pictures from the event.