Article in Syracuse Alumni magazine

There is an article about me in the Syracuse Alumni magazine. My daughter Martha wrote it. read the article

Joan Southgate '52 lives in Cleveland, Ohio, where she is a social worker, organizer, and activist. In 2002, at age 73, she walked more than 500 miles from southern Ohio to southeastern Canada to honor the anonymous heroes of the Underground Railroad (UGRR) who, at great personal risk, helped fugitive slaves to freedom in the northern United States and in Canada. Since then, the longtime activist has helped found Restore Cleveland Hope, a UGRR education center that will be located in the last remaining house in Cleveland with any connection to the UGRR. We wanted to know how Southgate decided to make this journey, as well as a second one in May. She told her story to her daughter, novelist Martha Southgate.

-Syracuse Magazine Fall /Winter 2009

May 17th 2009

Weather: Cloudy but not cold. Good walking weather
Where I walked today: Near Lake City PA
The “Safe house” where I stayed: Tom and Barbara George They are members of Holy Cross Church. We went to 8 am mass this morning. Yes I said 8 am! The church is in the round like a theatre. It is really exquisite, there were beautiful sculptures throughout. One of Jesus on the cross, except there was no cross, so interesting. I was told that the sculpture originally had a cross except that it was too heavy to display with the cross, truly striking without it. This is one of the many churches that Teci called back in March and they connected me with my hosts Tom and Barb George.
Who walked with me: Both Hope and Glenda were drivers so that they both had a chance to walk with me. I think both Teci and Sally were kind of worried to leave me “alone”. There was no reason to worry. I am well cared for and having a grand time.
One thing I really want you to know: Remember a special Underground Railroad home that I mentioned? Well we went back to the house to take some pictures. I wasn’t sure if my friends the Deiners still lived there. I met Albert and Shirley Deiner when I walked back in 2003.

Here’s the story and it is a great one. I was with Hope and Glenda and we pulled into the drive way thinking that we would take some pictures even though no one seemed to be home. The Gals got out first and then Shirley Deiner walked out on to the porch. She just appeared. We hugged each other like long lost relatives. Shirley kept saying to me “It’s a miracle. I saw in the paper that you were here but no one knew how to reach you.” I didn’t even hear you knock. If you had come by 15 minutes earlier we would not have even been home.” I found out later that Shirley had even called the paper in Erie PA to see if they knew how to reach me.

I have met and reconnected with so many kind, loving, wonderful, people. I have run out of words to describe it all. I spend much of my time saying wow, wow and wow. Teci tells me that she made sure to call the Deiners and invite them to the May 30th celebration.

May 16 2009

Weather: Sort of over cast but no rain.
Where I walked today: It’s Saturday and we were walking near Erie Airport, and Avonia. Glenda took some great pictures.
The “Safe house” where I stayed: Paul & Hope Desante, then moved on to Tom and Barbara George both in Fairview. Paul & Hope have an interesting story, they are an ex nun and ex priest. She was a nun for 14 years, can’t remember what he said.
Who walked with me: Sally Tatnall had to go back to work for a week or so. She and Teci worked to make sure I was in very capable hands. Glenda Hathaway is my driver now and my friend of more than 20 years Andi Schmidt will drive next week.
One thing I really want you to know: We saw a special Underground Railroad home today. We were in a hurry so did not get a chance to take pictures.

Tech troubles, Miracles and Love

We are having trouble finding internet along the way and my lap top & I are struggling because I am so non tech savvy. Anyway, I am now in a library in Dunkirk NY.

What a blessed send-off, what a beginning to the walk! (May 1st in Canada).

We stopped at Wilma Morrison's to see that she has had a lot done since I was here in 2003. The church and museum look great. At Norval Johnson Heritage Centre many books have been added in the library and painting and refurbishing to the outside. I am so in love with all the St. Catharines folks and invite every one to come to Cleveland soon. I noticed a book at her house about widows. Wilma and I got to talk about our husbands. It is always good to go back and remember out loud. And of course, Wilma had a wonderful punch line about waiting to see her husband on the other side so she can tell him off about leaving all his train hobby stuff for her to clean up after he was gone.

Lesley gave a running one-on-one tour guide recitation as we walked to the bridge with stories of URR history and history of her family too.

Except for yesterday morning, which was chilly and foggy and mist turning to real rain, the weather has been warm bright and breezy, perfect for walking. When we reached Niagara Falls we each took $5.00 into the Casino and my daughter Letitia won $60 on the very last pull of the handle.

Even with tech/internet problems and ignorance, we finally got my cranky borrowed cell to work so maybe I'll tweet and twit and twitter as often as we can get and keep a signal as we walk through the small towns.

All along the way folks have been eager to help and listen. More than one person has used the phrase "we are a caring community”. So genuine and no one has to say it all just prove it by their actions. We are surrounded by love, walking in miracle day by day.