Resources
The city of Cleveland, Ohio, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Cities were often given code names, and Cleveland’s code name was “Hope.” Cleveland was the last barrier between slavery and freedom. What made Cleveland exceptional was the interracial cooperation of Black and White residents who made sure freedom seekers reached Canada. This cooperation was not symbolic; it was Black Clevelanders and White abolitionists who, practically and dangerously, worked together.
One American Story: The Joan Southgate Scavenger Hunt of Heroes tells complete American stories of cooperation, courage, and hope, highlighting nearly limitless heroism. One American Story shares the many accomplishments of individuals and networks that changed America. One American Story exists to remind us that the past is not finished teaching us.
THE AMERICAN HEROES
“Learning the past, leading the future”
One American Story:
The Joan Southgate Scavenger Hunt of Heroes
One American Story: The Joan Southgate Scavenger Hunt of Heroes offers a powerful and captivating experience that brings communities together to uncover the inspiring true stories of Black and White Americans who united to challenge injustice and build a brighter future. This journey showcases the remarkable individuals from both backgrounds whose unwavering cooperation, determination, and hope significantly shaped American history.
Drawing inspiration from the remarkable life of activist Joan Southgate, this scavenger hunt breathes life into history, serving as a poignant reminder that our collective progress hinges on our ability to work together. Join us in this transformative adventure and be inspired by the enduring power of collaboration in the pursuit of justice and equal opportunity.
WHAT IS ONE AMERICAN STORY?
One American Story is a guided scavenger hunt that transforms historic events and stories of heroes into moments of reflection and connection. This customizable program can be adapted for different time frames or presented as an interactive PowerPoint. It aims to promote teamwork, problem-solving, and the discovery of diverse leaders who shaped our nation.
Participants will follow clues, use QR codes, uncover real stories, and engage in discussions as they explore significant figures and events in American history.
This experience focuses on:
- Bringing history into real locations
- Highlighting cooperation over division
- Connecting past courage to present-day teamwork
Along the way, participants will learn about doctors, nurses, abolitionists, scientists, and everyday citizens who drew great strength, creativity, imagination, and perseverance to overcome and accomplish extraordinary deeds. By the end, history feels more personal and relevant.
WHY JOAN SOUTHGATE?
Joan Southgate believes that history belongs to everyone, requiring courage, care, and cooperation to tell the whole story. As a historian and advocate, she dedicated her life to uncovering the true stories of the Underground Railroad in Cleveland and throughout Ohio. Joan recognized that freedom was achieved through the combined efforts of Black and White Americans who often risked their lives to help the enslaved.
At 72, she walked 519 miles of the Underground Railroad Trails from Ripley to Canada, honoring those who fought for freedom and learning about the individuals who helped freedom seekers. Her journey involved connecting with descendants eager to share their family histories.
In 2003, Joan founded the grassroots non-profit, Restore Cleveland Hope, to develop the Underground Railroad Interpretive Center at the Cozad-Bates House, which opened to the public in 2021. At 96, she continues to advocate for sharing stories of cooperation across racial lines, emphasizing the rich, inclusive history of the nation.
One American Story honors Joan’s legacy by inviting participants to not only learn about history but to experience it together, celebrating the strength of cooperation. This scavenger hunt is dedicated in her honor.
COOPERATION THEN AND NOW
One American Story is not just about a single hero; it is a rich tapestry of narratives that showcase the uniqueness and bravery of many Black and White Americans who have collaborated for a common cause. It highlights a diverse array of leaders across fields such as medicine, science, literature, and business.
Through collaboration, discovery, and mutual understanding, we learn that shared responsibility and cooperation are just as crucial today as they were in the past. By sharing the complete American narrative of collaboration, we see that progress emerged from ordinary people choosing to come together across differences to foster lasting change.
One American Story directly connects past acts of courage with the teamwork necessary in today’s workplaces, where success still relies on collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility
WHO IS IT FOR?
One American Story: The Joan Southgate Scavenger Hunt of Heroes is designed for individuals and organizations who believe that understanding our shared history can enhance how we work, learn, and lead today.
Corporations & Professional Teams
For organizations seeking impactful team-building experiences that transcend mere fun.
- These activities strengthen collaboration, communication, and trust.
- It enhances problem-solving skills and creativity.
- It provides a memorable, mission-driven experience that aligns with the company’s values.
Healthcare Workers & Care Teams
For nurses, physicians, and frontline caregivers whose work depends on cooperation and trust.
- Highlight historical examples of teamwork that healing is a team effort.
- Reinforces empathy, communication, and shared responsibility.
- Offers reflection that compassion, skill, and commitment to patients change lives.
Schools & Universities
For educators and students looking to engage with history in a way that feels human and relevant.
- Supports critical thinking and civic understanding.
- Brings local history to life.
- Encourages dialogue across the perspectives of diverse leaders.
Community, Faith & Civic Organizations
- Builds connections across generations and backgrounds.
- Encourages shared reflection grounded in truth.
- Strengthens community bonds.
Families & Life Learners
For anyone interested in experiencing history, it is an engaging, thoughtful manner.
- It is accessible and welcoming.
- Encourages conversation across age groups.
- Makes history personal and memorable.
WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS GAIN?
One American Story offers more than historical knowledge. It provides an experience that stays with participants personally and professionally.
A Shared Understanding of History
Participants encounter real stories of cooperation, courage, and moral choice that move history beyond dates and names. The past becomes human, local, and relevant.
Stronger Trust and Team Connection
By walking, learning, and reflecting together, participants strengthen communication and trust, which are key elements of effective teams in any setting.
Insight Into Cooperation Under Pressure
Historical examples from the Underground Railroad illuminate how people worked together in moments of risk, offering meaningful parallels to modern teamwork and leadership.
Renewed Sense of Purpose
Participants leave with a deeper appreciation for how individual choices matter, and how shared values can guide action in everyday work and life.
Deeper Empathy and Communication
By encouraging stories rooted in moral courage and compassion, participants gain a perspective that strengthens listening, understanding, and respect, which are key elements of safe, effective care.
Meaning Connection to Purpose
Healthcare professionals often enter the field to make a difference. This experience reconnects participants to that sense of purpose, reminding them that cooperation, dignity, and shared humanity have always been central to healing
HOW THE SCAVENGER HUNT WORKS
One American Story is designed to share the history of individuals who, individually and together, made contributions to America. One American Story is entertaining, informative, and transformative. It honors those who gave so much to this country and illustrates the enduring power of collaboration.
Gather Your Group
Participants take part as teams, encouraging shared discovery, problem-solving, fostering creativity, and building understanding and conversation. One American Story is a customizable presentation tailored for professional teams, schools, churches, organizations, care teams, or community groups.
Navigate Historic Events
Using guided materials, teams explore pivotal moments in history and learn about the heroes who influenced those events.
Follow the Clues
When an illustration of a hero is presented, participants will receive items such as clues, personal letters, QR codes, and cell phones to assist in finding and identifying the hero.
Reflect Together
The experience includes structured times for team discussions. What was your “Aha!” discovery moment working with your team?
Conclude with Meaning
Teams end the scavenger hunt with a guided closing reflection that reinforces shared values
CALL TO ACTION
Whether you are planning a team-building experience, an education program, or a meaningful community event, One American Story offers a thoughtful way to bring people together.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
CLOSING: ONE AMERICAN STORY
One American Story: The Joan Southgate Scavenger Hunt of Heroes invites you to walk their paths, learn from them, share them, and carry them forward
Your organization gains advantages from teams that effectively solve problems, complete tasks, acquire knowledge, foster creativity, and collaborate while enjoying the richness of American contributions. The One American Story is both aspirational and inspiring to participants.
For more information, please contact us at
YAAHA@YocumBlackHistory.org or call 330-887-2545.
Speaking engagements: In person, Webinar, Video Conference. Please inquire.