Jared A. Brock - The road to dawn: Josiah Henson and the story that sparked the Civil War

The Road to Dawn tells the story of a courageous man who pursued the common good in spite of painful wounds, discouraging setbacks, and personal flaws. Josiahs winsome character and role within the broader abolitionist context keep us turning the page, as does Jared Brocks fine storytelling about this American storyteller. And these stories remind us that we have much to learn from those who embody the message of justice and mercy, whatever their flaws or fortune may be.

Timothy B. Tyson, Senior Research Scholar at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, author of The Blood of Emmett Till and Blood Done Sign My Name

Finally, a biography worthy of the man. The Road to Dawn elevates Josiah Henson to his rightful place among important international liberators and frees him from the grip of Uncle Tom. Black history, when properly told will transform your life and your thinking.

Cheryl Janifer LaRoche, PhD author of Free Black Communities and the Underground Railroad

The Road to Dawn expertly casts Josiah Hensons heroic struggle for emancipation against the backdrop of a national fight for freedom, and in doing so, re-introduces a vital character to American history.

Jamie Glavic, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Road to Dawn is a deeply moving and inspirational biography of a little-known Underground Railroad hero. Jared Brock does a fabulous job of bringing Josiah Henson to life. A must-read for everyone.

Janice Wilson, Charles County NAACP President

Josiah Henson comes to life in Jared Brocks ground-breaking biography on one of the most famous figures of the nineteenth century. The Road to Dawn will ensure that Hensons story is never lost again.

Michael Nardolilli, Executive Director, Montgomery Parks Foundation

Jared Brocks remarkable The Road to Dawn is an important antidote to the sanitized (and very white) version of American emancipation and reconstruction. While the life of Josiah Henson was the inspiration for Uncle Toms Cabin, it was very much more than that. Henson was a liberator, leader, thinker, organizer, and prophet, and we should ask why he was displaced from his proper place in the history of abolition. Brock gives us a key to a crucial component of antislaverys usable past, the unvarnished lessons that will help guide todays efforts to bring slavery to an end.

Kevin Bales CMG, Pulitzer Prizenominee and Professor of Contemporary Slavery at the University of Nottinghams School of Politics and International Relations

Harriet Tubman [and] Frederick Douglass are well known figures in the abolition of slavery. Josiah Henson was less known. Here was a man who had spent more than 40 years in slavery but promised to use his freedom well. He delivered on that promise. Jared A. Brock takes us through the life of a hero of the abolitionist era who overcame unspeakable pain and adversity to make an impact on his home country. A must read.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius

Authoritatively researched and meticulous in its detail, The Road to Dawn captures the fierce determination and undeniable presence of one of Canadas extraordinary pioneers for freedom and social justice. Jared Brocks passionate narration enhances Josiah Hensons rightful place as a figure of national historic significance.

Steven Cook, Curator, Uncle Toms Cabin Historic Site

Jared Brock brings to life the struggles and perseverance of a man almost forgotten in history. This well-researched book documents the life of Josiah Henson, whose experiences in Maryland, his escape to Canada, and his work on the Underground Railroad reveal a man of incredible fortitude and determination.

Maryland Senator Thomas M. Middleton

The Road to Dawn re-introduces the world to a man whose life story fueled the abolition movement in 19th-century America. In doing so, Jared Brock issues a clarion call to readers to stand for the oppressed, right now as never before. His timing couldnt be better.

Julia A. King, Professor of Anthropology at St. Marys College of Maryland

Josiah Henson suffered more than forty years at the hands of unbelievable cruelty and violence, yet went on to impact the world in profoundly important ways. As a personal survivor of modern day slavery, I heartily endorse The Road to Dawns inspirational message of hope, justice, and reconciliation.

Toshia Shaw, Purple W.I.N.G.S

Josiah Hensons riveting life story challenges us to fight injustice and never despair. Thanks to The Road to Dawn, a local hero has finally re-appeared on the international stage.

Maryland Senator William C. Smith, Jr.

I learned additional history of the fight for freedom by reading Jared Brocks book, The Road to Dawn. I now know that Josiah Henson was a courageous trail blazer and a pioneer for our people seeking freedom in a new world into which they were enslaved.

Gerald A. Stansbury, Maryland State Conference NAACP President

The Road to Dawn is an engaging and accessible biography of Josiah Henson, a forgotten hero of abolitionist history whose freedom narrative inspired Stowes internationally famous antislavery novel Uncle Toms Cabin. Brock has brought to light the powerful experiences which shaped Hensons life and fight for freedom.