The Other Side of Jordan

Master James, a Missouri farmer during the 1850s, wants to make sure
his slaves had a better life upon his death. So when he passes away,
fourteen-year-old Joe, his pap, and the rest of the family are set free.

Stepping in to help, the master's brother, Doc, travels with the freed family to
Iowa and lets them work on land that he owns, with the promise that one day it
will be their own. But it's not long before the family learns that even though
they have gained their freedom, they have not earned respect. They are taunted,
harassed, and threatened.

As his family struggles to maintain dignity, young Joe learns from Doc about a
plan for an Underground Railroad, which would help enslaved blacks make
their way north to the free states. Joe knows that he must help others fight for
the freedom, however imperfect, that he's had the privilege of experiencing
firsthand. But in doing so, he also knows he risks his very life.

As Joe comes of age, he teams up with abolitionist preacher John Brown and
others to organize the Underground Railroad in Iowa, which eventually helps
hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of slaves on their way to freedom.