About Us

Who we are

AKWAABA’ s living history presenters are Rochester residents who are accomplished educators, social workers, and healthcare professionals. Many have extended their love of history by researching their families’ genealogies and teaching the skill to others. Some are professional storytellers. All are involved in numerous community organizations. They come together out of their desire to accurately tell the story of the Underground Railroad.

Audiences near and far
Numerous groups have experienced Underground Railroad tours and living history presentations designed to their specifications by AKWAABA. Through our education mission we have serviced: public, private, and charter schools, the City Recreation Bureau, churches, correctional facilities, business organizations, supporters of Susan B. Anthony House, civic organizations, Kwanzaa Coalition programs, and many other groups. AKWAABA tour participants have come from the Rochester area, Ohio, Florida, Connecticut, Georgia, California, Maryland and the African continent. Frequently, the Greater Rochester Visitors Association asks AKWAABA to provide “familiarization” tours for tour operators, meeting planners, and travel writers. [Visit these websites: City Recreation Bureau  | Susan B.  | Rochester MusicFest  | Greater Rochester Visitors Association.]

People are saying . . .

Hi Ruth and David and Robin and All—We are so, so happy that you could do yesterday’s program! It was so engaging, and the audience was enthralled! I heard so many enthusiastic comments afterwards, so several people asking about how they could schedule you to come to their groups. I appreciate so much all the work that went into this and especially all the research you did to make it so accurate. The characters really came alive so powerfully. We were just delighted!
Looking forward to doing more of these for many years to come.
Gratefully yours,
Judy (and Mary-Kay and the whole 1816 Board)

A few more comments:

“I was impressed by the depth of the characters.” J. Burgess

“The question and answer time following the presentation was very informative as well. You folks were very well prepared and very knowledgeable. Very impressive!” A. Barnes

“‘Rochester’s Unknown Ones’ should be televised and seen by all communities in Rochester and New York.” This is excellent! D. Sheffield

“The acting was done and spoken in such a way that I believed what was being said and [was] sucked into the story.” M. Hoople