Andrew K. Diemer Knihy

Considering Baltimore and Philadelphia as part of a larger, Mid-Atlantic borderland, this book shows that the antebellum effort to secure the rights of American citizenship was central to black politics - it was an effort to exploit the ambiguities of citizenship and negotiate the complex politics in which that concept was determined.

Focusing on the life of William Still, the narrative highlights his pivotal role as an abolitionist managing a key segment of the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia. Set in a free state just north of the Mason-Dixon line, the story reveals his tireless dedication to aiding countless individuals in their escape from slavery, showcasing his bravery and commitment to the cause of freedom.