Outstanding Keynotes, 30 Presenters! From genealogy to cycling underground railroad routes, from family stories to women's rights, this Conference offers a unique forum for discussion, investigation, interpretation and promotion of the Underground Railroad legacy of freedom. Learn from nationally-recognized experts about the historic and continuing struggle to establish universal freedom in the U.S. and around the world. Convenient online registration // Read more about the presenters

Darryl Van Leer to Perform My Life in Bondage 7:30 - 8:45 p.m., Fri. Sept. 28, with special guest, Thomas Warfield, Reception to follow Note: Individual tickets are available for those not attending the conference. $35 pp ($25 students), $50 per couple. No charge for Conference registrants. Van Leer, the award winning actor and performer will deliver a heart-warming, heart wrenching performance of the true story of Frederick Douglass. Van Leer began his TV acting career on Black Entertainment Network's Bobby Jones Gospel Show and has since seen a successful and varied career in film and television.

Presenter Spotlight: Learning from the Legacy of Women's Resistance to Slavery: Why Northern Slavery Cannot be Ignored Delores M. Walters, PhD, Educational Program Consultant, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Saturday Sept. 29 Learn about the courage, tenacity and resilience demonstrated by Margaret Garner, who sought to free her children through infanticide. Hear what this teaches us about slavery, resistance to slavery, and overcoming adversity and racial barriers in our own lives.

Presenter Spotlight: Frederick Douglass, Hip Hop Head Rickerby Hinds, MFA, Playwright, University of California, Riverside, 2:45 - 4 p.m. Sat. Sept. 29 As unlikely as it might seem Frederick Douglas used many of the elements of hip-hop culture in order to attain the level of greatness that he ultimate achieved. From graffiti writing on fences, to his mastery over words, to his struggle with the law, Douglass hip-hop head way before there was hip-hop. This dramatic lecture will explore the connection between Douglass and hip-hop and how even now he is ahead of his time.

Nazareth College's "North Star Service Learning Project" Exhibit to Premier at Conference Be sure to visit this exhibit at the Conference. The project began with '07 summer session upperclassmen, segued to MCC students, and is now continuing with incoming freshmen. The new "portable museum" being created will chronicle stories of the Underground Railroad in Rochester including biographies of the people involved.

Riverwalk and Underground Railroad Tour Offered to Conference Attendees Friday - Be sure to register! Walk in the footsteps of weary travelers seeking freedom. Understand the events and personalities that shaped Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Luddie Bell, Austin Steward and many more people whose life stories are chapter and verse of the Underground Railroad. This tour is Friday September 28 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. and is free for Conference attendees. Registration required.

5th Grade Students Are Working for Freedom One of the 30 presentations at the Conference will be made by the Genesee Community Charter School's fifth grade students. They will share the results of their work, a Web site created to honor and celebrate local heroes. The class explored the people of Rochester who fought oppression during an expedition titled "Working for Freedom."

Freedom Festival Events - Bring the Family - Freedom Lives Here! Mark your calendar for a memorable freedom celebration Sunday Sept. 30, from 2-6 p.m. in Susan B. Anthony Square in Rochester. Historical enactors Frederick Douglass,  Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, & more; music of Gospel Choirs,  Fiddlers of the Genesee & more; entertainment featuring Rochester Slam Poets Team,  Frederick Douglass Oratory winners & more!! Free tours of the Susan B. Anthony House and Neighborhood. Bring the whole family for this historic event. Free and open to the public! Food and beverages available for purchase.

Thank You RG&E! Our thanks to RG&E for making it possible for the first 100 registrants of the conference to receive a complimentary copy of the book,Where They fell: Stories of Rochester Area Soldiers in the Civil War, by Robert Marcotte. This book brings the Civil War alive with personal stories of everyday people who served in every major battle in the Civil War. For those who did not receive a copy you may purchase it from Corn Hill Navigation.

Scholarships, Group Rates & Student Discounts Available If you are unable to afford conference fees, we will do our best to honor requests for scholarships based on demonstrated need. See Criteria and How to Apply. If your school or business is planning on sending multiple people to the conference or keynote events, discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For details contact Barb Cutrona at 585-256-4642.

Hyatt Special Rates Extended One Week for Conference Attendees The Hyatt is conveniently connected via an enclosed walkway to the Convention Center, where the Conference is being held. Please reserve your room by September 10, to get the Conference rate.

Tables Selling Briskly for Juan Williams Opening Keynote Luncheon Friday Sept. 28 at 12 Noon Juan Williams is one of America's leading political writers and thinkers. The senior correspondent for NPR, and political analyst for Fox Television, is also a regular panelist for FoxNews Sunday. Williams will deliver the opening keynote and sign books after his talk. Tables of 10 are $350. See flier Contact: Hanif Abdul Wahid

Visit Exhibitors at the Conference - Reserve Your Booth Today We look forward to welcoming conference exhibitors; University of Rochester, Heritage New York, Democrat and Chronicle, Nazareth College, Rochester Public Library, The Scholars Choice, Moodmakers Books, and the Workforce Diversity Network. Reach people who appreciate your products and services. 10 x 10 draped booths, $300 regular; $200 non-profit.