Bennie Mc Crae, Mr. Fisher, Ser Sechs (CM) Boxley -- this is the most invigorating news of the fruition of hard work seen for a long time. The implications are enormous for the study of American History in its entirety. The idea has been that the enslaved are people without history, or that history is shameful because of what the African people were subjected to. That the government of the United States, through the National Park Service, will tell this story is the result of patience and energy of people of good will in many backgrounds and walks of life. The Forks of the Road now belongs to all of us because we are that government of the people. Had the story of the Forks of the Road perished into modern development and privilege we would all be poorer.

In reading the article from the Clarion Ledger, I am also struck by a personal research query. I had just today, October 28th, arranged a panel at the upcoming (February 2004) UGRR conference in Albany, New York, on the topic of William H. Johnson, an African American community leader. It is a long shot, but you have proved nothing is impossible. My query: Was William Johnson whose Mississippi property is now our national heritage born in Alexandria? Is he known to have lived in Philadelphia from 1855 to 1859? (or could have?) Does he have any relationship to Albany, New York in your records?

Many thanks for keeping the faith and for passing on the query.

Jean Libby