Ep 1. The William Still Story

In the first episode of the groundbreaking series, "Underground Railroad," viewers are introduced to one of the most important conductors on the escape route - William Still. "The William Still Story" provides an immersive experience into the life of an abolitionist and his role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

The episode begins with William Still, an African American man, sitting at his desk in Philadelphia in the year 1850. He begins to recollect some of the incredible stories of former slaves he interviewed and aided in their escape. As Chief Conductor of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, Still's work was pivotal in helping enslaved people escape slavery. Still kept meticulous records of each escapee, including their names, origin, and destination, which was critical in maintaining the network of individuals and organizations who helped coordinate the Underground Railroad route.

As each story unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through the daily lives and struggles of people who were enslaved, separated from their families, and subjected to physical and emotional torture. Through these heart-wrenching narratives, viewers learn about the risks and dangers escapees encountered when attempting to flee slavery. Despite the risks, their bravery and determination to find freedom are awe-inspiring.

One story features a mother and her two young children. After being separated from her husband and sold to a new owner, the mother decides to seek freedom with her children. They begin their journey through wooded areas, rivers, and hills. Along the way, they suffer from hunger, thirst, and fear of being caught by their captors. They finally arrive in Philadelphia, where they meet Still. He takes them to his home, which serves as a "station" of the Underground Railroad, where they are greeted with kindness and safety.

In another story, Still recounts the case of Peter Still, his long-lost brother. In 1850, William Still saw an advertisement in The Journal of Commerce, a newspaper, offering a reward for the return of "Peter" to his owner. Although he shared their last name, William did not know if this "Peter" was his actual brother. Still decides to investigate further, only to discover that indeed, Peter was his brother who had been sold to a plantation owner when they were children.

William's search to find Peter, with the help of other abolitionists, took him as far as Alabama, where he discovered Peter working on a cotton plantation. After negotiating and paying a large sum of money to Peter's owner, William secures Peter's freedom and helps him escape to the safety of a "station" on the Underground Railroad to Philadelphia.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to other important figures in the movement, such as Harriet Tubman, and the efforts of the Underground Railroad and its critical network of "stations" that helped people escape to freedom. Viewers also get an opportunity to learn about the difficulties and obstacles in place for those trying to coordinate these daring escapes.

"The William Still Story" provides a vivid portrayal of life in slavery, the perils of escape, and the bravery of those who worked tirelessly to help others escape. It is a powerful introduction to the series, setting the stage for a window into the lives of the men and women who risked everything to help make this dark period in American history a thing of the past.