Retired Miami Dade College professor Madgdalena Lamarre will examine the role Spanish Florida played as the first Underground Railroad to freedom for runaway slaves from the southern colonies during her lecture at noon on Monday, Mar. 7.
Florida’s first Underground Railroad, which ran from north to south and functioned from the late 17th Century until shortly after the American Revolution, predates the historically well-known Underground Railroad established by abolitionists in the 19th Century.
The presentation also will address the role played by African Americans in the early history of Florida, the establishment of early “maroon” (escaped slaves) communities in the Americas, the first legally recognized community of ex-slaves in the Americas, and a brief history of the Black Seminoles.
The free lecture will take place in Room F222 of the Miami Dade College Homestead Campus at 500 College Terr. in Homestead. The college has excellent handicapped access. Parking passes will be handed out at the designated parking lot on the east side of the campus.
A simple lunch can be ordered for $10 by telephoning Barbara at 305-230-9185 before 2 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 4, or bring your own brown bag lunch. Come at 11:30 for lunch.
