Freedom Road

Ric Murphy's award-winning book, "Freedom Road: An American Family Saga from Jamestown to World War" is an historic account of the oldest recorded African American family, and their participation and rich contributions to American history over a four hundred year period. It is a compilation of well-documented individual stories that begins in Africa in 1483, and from there, spans over fifteen generations and three continents, and definitively changes our understanding of American history, showcasing the significant role that one African American family has played from colonial American history to present day.Freedom Road is an exciting and compelling American saga that captivates readers with the story of the enslavement of John Gowen, one of the first Africans brought to America, and the first to be set free; the story of Thomas and Rebecca Cornell, forced to leave England because of their religious beliefs, and how they became known as the family of Presidents; and the story of the daring escape of Othello and Thomas Fraction from their cruel, vindictive slave master, himself the brother of a Confederate Senator and the son of a Virginia governor.Freedom Road is enthralling, resounding, and evocative; it challenges the reader to have a better understanding of American history, and inspires them to learn about their own family history. If you like history, family sagas or intrigue, Freedom Road is a must read.