Join Student Engagement as we honor Black History Month by highlighting former slaves who went on to impact America.

“There is no liberty to him who feels himself limited by the want of the dollar.” Henry “Box” Brown

Brown got his nickname “box” for mailing himself to freedom. Once Brown was mailed and shipped to abolitionists in Philadelphia, he was able to become an entertainer and noted public speaker. Through his entertaining displays and motivating speech skills, Brown became a significant abolitionist.

You can learn more about Henry Brown and other great Americans by visiting nationalhumanitiescenter.org