Nia NEW

Enslaved people in America used the stars, particularly Polaris and the Big Dipper Constellation (called the Drinking Gourd), to find their way to freedom before the Civil War. The star was referenced in African American songs and narratives, and Harriet Tubman used it to help others escape as well. Before the Civil War, enslaved people in America relied on the stars to guide them to freedom. Specifically, they used Polaris and the Big Dipper Constellation, which they called the Drinking Gourd, to navigate towards the northern states. Many African American folk songs and enslaved narratives referenced the star because of its crucial role in guiding enslaved people to freedom. Even Harriet Tubman used her knowledge of the North Star to liberate other enslaved people. Thank you for watching!