Dawn of Day: Stories from the Underground Railroad

Dawn of Day is a historical documentary about the Underground Railroad in Kansas that brings to light Wabaunsee County’s unsung heroes who traversed one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history. Faith, family, and politics united a community of neighbors who lived and died to ensure Kansas was a free state. Richard Pitts, director of the Wonder Workshop in Manhattan, Kansas, narrates the film and interviews educators, historians and descendants of abolitionists whose shared heritage lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.

May 11, 2020- It is with a sad note that we announce the passing of Richard Pitts, the narrator of this film. Richard's life was spent working with youth, teaching and inspiring them to make a difference in the world around them. We will miss you good friend :)

Produced by: Debbie K. Mercer
College of Education, Kansas State University
Directed by: Rusty Earl

Cooper Reflected Motion
Elias_Trevino Coastal Divide
Pollard_Salkeld Brittle Bones
Bohn_Worsey Spiral Galaxy
Bohn_Worsey Sapphire Sky
Hill_Burrows Standing Strong
Elias_Trevino Wandering Revelation
Hoo Redemption and Grace
Cooper Aurora Skies
Elias_Trevino Return of Light
Bohn_Worsey Wild Flower
Elias_Trevino Tight Embrace
Bohn_Worsey Shallow Waters
Salisbury_Taylor Where Life Begins
Elias_Trevino Hearts Content
Pollard_Salkeld Awaken a Thought
Pollard_Salkeld Rain in my Heart
Sheppard Enchanted Moment
Elias_Hoo Hometown Magic
Hoo Redemption and Grace
Elias_Trevino American Rivers

[KStateCollegeofEducation]

May 11, 2020- It is with a sad note that we announce the passing of Richard Pitts, the narrator of this film. Richard's life was spent working with youth, teaching and inspiring them to make a difference in the world around them. We will miss you good friend :)

[marianfernwood]

I am 75 years and these stories have moved me deeply since a child. We need this history told and cherished.

[terrikitiona]

I was born in Russell Kansas to a white mother and a black father. So, I know what rasicm looks like. This documentary has me in tears partly because I feel that this is what should be taught in our schools but for some reason never are. Im grateful for the people who who risked everything to help those people seeking a way out of bondage. These good people chose to be on the right side of history and for all they did I'm am truly grateful.

[aimeekova]

I remember learning about slavery in school in England and sitting with my mouth wide open: I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, seeing… it sparked a fascination with history which has been long standing. I needed to know how and why humans could act in such a way. Unfortunately in many countries, slavery still exists today… but the stories from the Underground Railroad give me hope. People willing to risk it all to do what is right. Never let this history be forgotten. We must learn, and never repeat these atrocities.

[stephanierogers]

I'm very pleased there finally telling the truth about these things. My God just imagine. Like he said the damage was so much more than physical. To this day it still leaves a disgusting taste in our mouths!!

[cathy-uded]

I'm 63 and only learnt about The Underground Railway a few years back..I don't live in America but knew a little about slavery..How brave these people were in risking their lives and social standing in helping these people. Thank God there are decent people amongst the bad...
With Internet we now can learn the the bigger picture rather than what was chosen in history lessons ..hear the truths not the sanitised versions..

[MegaGullystar]

My black people you have gone through so much at the hands of evil people.i love you with all my heart

[chromeoiran]

How timely is this. "If they could do it one-hundred and six years ago, why not do it today?" United we are invincible, divided we will surely fail. Let this documentary serve as your guide, and do the right thing.

[charlotteclark]

It's up to parents, grandparents, and family members to teach this history to our youth. This isn't taught in schools. It's our duty to do so. Thank you.

[daublex]

"The best way to fight ignorance is with education" plain and simple

[donnettahenderson]

RIP 🪦 to the narrator for this dynamic documentary!
I clicked right on this, because Black 👩🏽History, especially slavery
is always appealing to me, not by the sufferings of slavery, but simply to
learn more & more about what African—Americans had to go through
our ancestors back then!
Love ❤️ this! This definitely was not taught in the schools! This should be
a requirement for all people to take!

[mrhymer]

Mr. Pitts, thank you for this wonderful research on the Underground Railroad. As an African American, I will always appreciate learning more about my history which is part of American history.

[gomojo]

RIP Richard Pitts a great leader and this work leaves part of his legacy.

[alexanderb.jordanjr.]

That was very inspiring as a black man at 58 years old born in the 60s in North Minneapolis now living in Lubbock Texas. This coming summer I would like to find that robe bring my guitar and walk those roads it's not too far from Texas thank you so much

[understandingthescripture]

The penmanship back then was beautiful.

[jonellewallace]

I took some school children on my bus to take his tour one day, he was an amazing, intelligent, warm and funny man! Loved his tour and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

[llchase]

I married a man who had grown up in Harveyville. The house they lived in was once used on the underground railroad. I was shown the tunnel entrance, now filled with foundation stone. I imagined the terror and real dangers in helping the slaves through Kansas. It's makes me so proud to know the History. I also traced my own family roots to Abolitionists from Ohio.

[multifariousgemini]

God Bless everyone that participated in this docu. I can never get enough of learning from history.

[karentucker]

I just learned last night that one of my family members donated land to build a Baptist Church in the 1700's and allowed black people to become members of the church (this was in South Carolina too). I'm glad that they didn't have slaves.

[flashlight]

I can only add...Billie Holiday has song called "Strange Fruit" ...the people hanging were fruit no doubt but wicked people that hug them were "Strange".