ABC 7 Chicago Presents "Rediscovering a Black Pioneer's Dream"

  

October 22, 2006 (WLS) -- ABC 7 Presents "Rediscovering a Black Pioneer's Dream" hosted by Janet Davies and Hosea Sanders, Sunday, October 22nd at 10:35 p.m. This special delves into the courageous and unheralded accomplishments of a former slave who bought his freedom and then went on to become the first African-American to legally establish a town in the United States. "Free Frank" McWorter founded a bi-racial community on the Illinois prairie, three decades before the Civil War, while leading slaves to freedom. Host/Producer Janet Davies spotlights this true American hero, whose story has been lost to the history books.

Free Frank McWorter became a successful farmer and developer who eventually bought sixteen family members their freedom. According to oral history he also operated a stop on the Underground Railroad.

On September 16, 1836, McWorter, who couldn't read or write, took his hard-earned money and made a bold move. He circumvented the restrictive Black Codes of the day that kept blacks from succeeding, and purchased his own land. Achieving the impossible, McWorter founded a legitimate incorporated town which he named New Philadelphia, after the city of brotherly love. If that feat wasn't incredible enough, McWorter's New Philadelphia fulfilled his vision of a bi-racial community where blacks and whites lived and worked side by side. New Philadelphia flourished for over 40 years before it disappeared.

Today, there is little left of his town and the name Free Frank is not prominent in history. Slowly, through the efforts of his proud descendents, that is starting to change. Davies hopes that this special will also help put Free Frank's life's work "on the map." Davies said, "When I stumbled on this story, I was shocked how little was written and produced about this extraordinary man and his town--amazed how history has ignored this heroic tale which is an example for not only African-Americans, but all Americans."

This special examines the birth, death and rebirth of New Philadelphia. It introduces Free Frank, the amazing man, who against all odds, triumphed. And you will meet his legacy  the men and women descended from this pioneer who have become leaders today.

ABC 7 PRESENTS: "Rediscovering a Black Pioneer's Dream" is produced by Janet Davies.

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