Michigan Freedom Trail Commission

The Michigan Freedom Trail Commission preserves, protects and promotes the rich legacy of the Underground Railroad and the antislavery movement in Michigan.

Commission Members

• Melinda Babarskis, Lansing, Library of Michigan
• Neil A. Barclay, Detroit, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
• Amanda J. Campbell, Chair, Harrisville, knowledgeable in historic preservation
• Rochelle E. Danquah, Farmington Hills, Senate Majority Leader
• Dr. Angela D. Dillard, Ann Arbor, academic community knowledgeable in African American history
• Roy E. Finkenbine, Livonia, academic community knowledgeable in African American history
• Jamon Jordan, Detroit, actively involved in civil rights
• Deidra E. Mayweather, Grand Rapids, general public
• Robin Peebles, Lansing, Travel Michigan
• Vivian L. Ritter, Battle Creek, local communities with significant UGRR presence
• Priscilla D. Robinson, Detroit, member-at-large
• Jason Young, Ann Arbor, academic community knowledgeable in African American history

Heritage Gathering

See information on the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission Heritage Gathering, an annual fall series of virtual and in-person programs.

2023 Meeting Schedule

In its quest to discover and chronicle the legacy of the Underground Railroad in Michigan, the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission holds quarterly meetings. Unless noted, all meetings are held in person at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in the Morris Learning Center (first floor, east wing); attendance via Zoom is also available. Meetings begin at 11 a.m. and are open to the public; agendas will be posted here in PDF format as they become available. The Michigan Library and Historical Center is located at 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing. The building and visitor parking are on the north side of Kalamazoo Street, two blocks east of M. L. King Jr. Boulevard.

• Feb. 17
• May 19
• Aug. 18
• Nov. 17