Journey of York

For ages: 9-12

Description:

Thomas Jefferson's Corps of Discovery included Captains Lewis and Clark and a crew of 28 men to chart a route from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. All the crew but one volunteered for the mission. York, the enslaved man taken on the journey, did not choose to go. Slaves did not have choices. York's contributions to the expedition, however, were invaluable. The captains came to rely on York's judgement, determination, and peacemaking role with the American Indian nations they encountered. But as York's independence and status rose on the journey, the question remained what status he would carry once the expedition was over. This is his story.

About the author:

Hasan Davis is an active speaker, trainer, and advocate for justice, education, and diversity initiatives on the local, state, and national levels. His active involvement in the Chautauqua education movement has garnered invitations to present his work at corporations, colleges, historical organizations, schools, prisons, and churches. Based in Kentucky, Hasan strives to build living and learning communities where all people have the opportunity to succeed.

About the Illustrator:

Alleanna Harris earned a BFA in Animation from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and graduated with Honors. She is inspired by the beauty in everyday things and seeks to create images that are immersive, rich in color, and have a sense of warmth. When she’s not illustrating, you can find Alleanna singing and dancing to her favorite music playlists, sharing her art on social media, researching history topics, and hanging with friends and family. She lives in New Jersey.