Out of Slavery

My latest series, THE TIME RETURNS, explores the racial issues of the 1960s and their roots in the history of slavery. The titles for books 1 and 2 are taken from a song used by Harriet Tubman and other "conductors" on the Underground Railroad to communicate with potential "passengers." The song used coded language to communicate if it was safe for slaves to escape and reminded them to follow the Big Dipper to ensure they were heading north as they cut through swamps and fields toward freedom.

"When the sun comes back
And the first quail calls
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is a waiting
For to carry you to freedom

Follow the drinking gourd
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is a waiting
For to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd

The riverbank will make a mighty good road
The dead trees show you the way
Left foot, peg foot traveling on
Following the drinking gourd

Follow the drinking gourd
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is a waiting
For to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd

The river ends between two hills
Follow the drinking gourd
There's another river on the other side
Follow the drinking gourd

Follow the drinking gourd
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is a waiting
For to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd."