Ubuntu Project

Project Goal

to create a local public artwork celebrating The Underground Railroad, and foster opportunity for children to learn about history experientially.

Artwork

Possibilities include... a new splash park / zero-depth pool celebrating Harriet Tubman & Jennet Johnson to keep things fun in the summertime!

Process

Kids aged 5-15 create 12"x12" colorful concrete tiles with their very own footprints! Utilizing tiles, a large quilt-like floor arrangement will be created.

To Date: 100 multicolored tiles ... and 3 years of happy kids.

Dialogue began in 2010 when Cornelia Swinson, director of the Johnson

House Historic Site contacted artists Joel Erland and Kate Kaman to discuss a new sculpture.

Concept gleaned from Nelson Mandela's autobiography: Ubuntu - a positive African ethical philosophy which suggests We are stronger together than we are apart.

Backdrop

Underground Railroad-era Philadelphia was the beginning of the free world for many escaping slavery and oppression. Barefoot freedom seekers walked hundreds of miles--overcoming harsh conditions and pursuit--to reach safety.

Colorful concrete quilt featuring footprints of children from participating summer camps -- part of 10-year ongoing collaboration of Kate Kaman and Joel Erland with the Johnson House Museum and National Historical Site to commemorate the brave freedom seekers who journeyed to achieve freedom along the Underground Railroad.

The UBUNTU PROJECT will become a permanent public sculpture which will help today's children understand the value and challenges of working and walking together to achieve freedom around the globe --starting in modern-day Philadelphia. A relational, practical knowledge of history is useful in order to become men and women who will someday lead change in the future.

Beginning as a pilot summer camp program in July 2010, a partnership was formed between the Erland and Kaman, the Johnson House, and the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust to implement WORKING & WALKING TOGETHER.

Footprints to Freedom is a history, arts and culture education program focused upon the importance of "working and walking together to achieve freedom.”