CINCINNATI, OH–(Marketwire – September 15, 2010) – On Friday, October 15, and Saturday, October 16, the members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Miami University will complete a 40-mile Freedom Walk to support the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Freedom Center). The Freedom Walk follows a prominent historic Underground Railroad route traveled by enslaved individuals who sought freedom. It crosses the Ohio River into Cincinnati and proceeds to Oxford, Ohio (home of Miami University).

The eight members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and a few alumni will follow a 40-mile route which will pass known Underground Railroad safe houses and important historical points of interest, including grave sites of prominent Underground Railroad conductors. 

“The Freedom Walk is a symbolic way for us to recognize and honor the heroes of the Underground Railroad and raise money to support the Freedom Center’s education of the historic and continuing struggles for freedom around the world,” said Donovan Potter, President of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Miami University. “We’re asking for financial support by donating $1 per mile.”

The proceeds from the Freedom Walk will support the Freedom Center’s educational programs, including the wide array of exhibits that chronicle heroic stories of courage in the pursuit of freedom and thought-provoking programs beyond the Freedom Center’s physical walls that inspire individuals to champion freedom in their communities and end contemporary slavery.

“These young men embody the Freedom Center’s Fan The Flame renewed commitment to fight against the unfreedoms of genocide, hunger, slavery, illiteracy, tyranny and racism and contemporary slavery in all its forms,” said Kim Robinson Advancement Director for the Freedom Center. “It shows that committed individuals can make a tremendous impact.”

HOW TO MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE FREEDOM WALK
Support Kappa Alpha Psi by donating $1 per mile or more for the 40-mile Freedom Walk. Donations can be made online at freedomcenter.org and can be made via credit card or by check. 100% of donations benefit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

DONATE ONLINE BY CREDIT CARD AT FREEDOMCENTER.ORG
To donate visit freedomcenter.org. Secure donations can be made online via credit card.

DONATE BY CHECK
Donations (submitted via check) can be mailed to: The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center at 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Please make checks payable to: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center with a designation of “Freedom Walk” in the memo section. 

FREEDOM WALK SCHEDULE
Day 1 — Friday, Oct. 15 
Walk will begin in Northern Kentucky and proceed across Roebling Suspension Bridge to The Freedom Center. Visit historic locations in Cincinnati on Day 1 and end at a known Underground Railroad safe house. Total distance is 10 miles.

Day 2 — Saturday, Oct. 16
Walk will begin at an Underground Railroad safe house and proceed to Oxford, Ohio. Total distance is 30 miles.

About Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Kappa Alpha Psi (KA?) is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African American membership. Founded in 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity prides itself on having never limited membership based on color, creed or national origin. For over 30 years, the Kappa Delta Chapter at Miami University has been involved in many community service projects and campus initiatives to help those in need and to promote positive change. For more information about Kappa Alpha Psi, visit the fraternity’s website kappaalphapsi1911.com.

About the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Since 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has become a living, learning place where visitors, staff and volunteers engage in ongoing dialogue about humankind’s enduring quest for freedom. Through inspiring exhibitions and thought-provoking programs, award-winning speakers and topical forums, the Freedom Center engages audiences in understanding the lessons of history from the era of the Underground Railroad and applying those lessons to issues impacting contemporary society: racism and diversity, economic and educational disparity, multi-cultural awareness, modern forms of slavery and civil and human rights. For more information about the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, visit the museum’s website freedomcenter.org.