# How does Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life develop the theme of Community and Leadership?

> Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson

## 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

- [iii-my-boyhood-and-youth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/iii-my-boyhood-and-youth.md): Josiah's acts of stealing food for overworked women and his promotion to overseer demonstrate his leadership and sense of community among slaves.
- [vi-a-responsible-journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/vi-a-responsible-journey.md): 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.
- [xiii-journey-to-canada](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xiii-journey-to-canada.md): Josiah leads his family with courage and resourcefulness, while receiving help from strangers, Indians, and the captain of the schooner.
- [xv-life-in-canada](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xv-life-in-canada.md): Henson organizes meetings among Black settlers to promote land ownership and collective improvement, demonstrating leadership and community building.
- [xvi-conducting-slaves-to-canada](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xvi-conducting-slaves-to-canada.md): Henson takes on the dangerous role of leader, organizing and guiding a large group of fugitives to safety, demonstrating communal responsibility.
- [xvii-second-journey-on-the-underground-railroad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xvii-second-journey-on-the-underground-railroad.md): Henson's decisive leadership and the cooperation of the Lightfoots, the Quaker, and the white stranger highlight the communal effort required for successful escapes.
- [xviii-home-at-dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xviii-home-at-dawn.md): Henson organizes a convention of black settlers and leads efforts to establish a manual-labor school, demonstrating community self-governance and collective uplift.
- [xix-lumbering-operations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xix-lumbering-operations.md): Henson leads the community by building a sawmill that transforms the local economy and establishes a manual-labor school.

## Links

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