Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life · Question
How does Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life develop the theme of Community and Leadership?
Answer
Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson develops Community and Leadership across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Henson emerges as a leader among slaves and later free blacks, organizing fellow fugitives, advocating for economic self-sufficiency in Canada, and using his preaching to uplift and educate his community.
Josiah's acts of stealing food for overworked women and his promotion to overseer demonstrate his leadership and sense of community among slaves.
Henson's authority and the trust of the enslaved people under him are crucial to the journey's success; he is described as a 'captain' and his pride is tied to his responsibility.
Josiah leads his family with courage and resourcefulness, while receiving help from strangers, Indians, and the captain of the schooner.
Evidence in the book
- My Boyhood and Youth
Josiah's acts of stealing food for overworked women and his promotion to overseer demonstrate his leadership and sense of community among slaves.
- A Responsible Journey
Henson's authority and the trust of the enslaved people under him are crucial to the journey's success; he is described as a 'captain' and his pride is tied to his responsibility.
- Journey to Canada
Josiah leads his family with courage and resourcefulness, while receiving help from strangers, Indians, and the captain of the schooner.
- Life in Canada
Henson organizes meetings among Black settlers to promote land ownership and collective improvement, demonstrating leadership and community building.
- Conducting Slaves to Canada
Henson takes on the dangerous role of leader, organizing and guiding a large group of fugitives to safety, demonstrating communal responsibility.
- Second Journey on the Underground Railroad
Henson's decisive leadership and the cooperation of the Lightfoots, the Quaker, and the white stranger highlight the communal effort required for successful escapes.
- Home at Dawn
Henson organizes a convention of black settlers and leads efforts to establish a manual-labor school, demonstrating community self-governance and collective uplift.
- Lumbering Operations
Henson leads the community by building a sawmill that transforms the local economy and establishes a manual-labor school.
