Her songs and stories realized her purpose of convincing that this country was built on the backs of the black slaves. She focused on the horrors suffered by families and illustrated the deprivations by re-enacting her first taste of sugar.

Ms. Evans unfurled a quilt and taught the audience the significance of the various symbols that represented signals to those on the Underground Railroad. The stars meant to go north -- but sometimes it was necessary to go south in order to go north. Outstretched hands reminded travelers to pray and a bow-tie urged them to wear their best clothes. Another symbol recommended they take all their tools -- because they would always have to have a trade. A shoo-fly pie on a windowsill, with a small slice removed indicated the direction to take. A red ribbon trail on log cabins may indicate the path -- or perhaps it was a trap of the slave catchers.

With a final salute to Douglas E. Massenburg, representing the United States Colored Troops who served during the Civil War, Ms. Evans exited to the strains of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."

The conference had been opened earlier with the African tradition of pouring a libation. As he performed the ceremony Herman Stephens explained it was to respect the people who came before us -- the ancestors that opened the door for us.

Waymond Brothers, Director of the Underground Railroad Initiative introduced Felicia Satchell, Assistant Director of Westchester Community College's Peekskill Annex, that was hosting the event. Noting the Annex had doubled in size in the last year, she described some of the programs available for all ages and welcomed the conference.

Peekskill Mayor John Testa noted, "The Underground Railroad is important to Peekskill to help make it a destination place."

Mr. Brothers outlined some of the events that had taken place since last year's conference. He said he had traveled extensively around the country and the phenomenon had consumed him. "It is very powerful," Mr. Brothers said, "and it is important we teach the young people." He reminded the conference that on August 27 Governor Pataki had declared that March 10 will be known as Harriet Tubman Day in New York State.

The director thanked the supporters of the conference, including the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Wachovia Bank, Brush Graphics and Consultants and the Submarine Galley.

Several workshops on Tourism, Education, Historic Preservation, Commemoration and Youth, led by Peekskill School Superintendent Judith Johnson, Peekskill Historian John Curran, Fred Laverpool of Bragging About Brooklyn and others, followed the opening ceremony. After lunch and inspection of a number of exhibits, it was planned that Kevin Cottrell of the Motherland Connextion would address the conference.

During the afternoon Kim and Reggie Harris were scheduled to wrap up the conference with an hour long presentation.