Overview

Solomon Northup's story did not end with freedom. It continues in memory, movement, and meaning. Hope Out of Darkness chronicles the remarkable journey of a monumental bronze statue created to honor Solomon Northup--the free Black man kidnapped into slavery whose memoir, Twelve Years a Slave, awakened a nation. More than a sculpture, the statue became a living witness, traveling hundreds of miles to the very places that shaped Northup's life, suffering, and resolve. Through richly detailed narrative and on-the-ground reporting, this book follows the statue's national exhibition--from its unveiling to its final resting place--revealing how communities, descendants, historians, and artists came together to reclaim a powerful American story. Along the way, readers encounter the people and places that form the Northup Trail, connecting past injustice to present-day reflection and education. Both a historical record and a tribute, Hope Out of Darkness reminds us that history is not static. It moves when we choose to remember. It speaks when we choose to listen. And it endures when we choose to honor the truth. This is not only the story of a statue... it is the story of how a nation continues the work of remembrance. ""This enduring monument exists from the activism and advocacy of a small group of people, and only together can we repair the cracks in the foundation of our collective inherited national histories. Let Solomon Northup's message of tribulation and perseverance connect our past to our future, and resonate through the centuries to invigorate new generations to strive for restorative justice and unity."" -- Wesley Wofford, Fellow of the National Sculpture Society ""The power of remembering one-time slave Solomon Northup with a statue cannot be underestimated for keeping his story front and center for future generations. Larry Jorgensen has beautifully captured Northrup and his statue's history in this book."" -- Tyler R. Tichelaar, PhD and award-winning author of Kawbawgam: The Chief, The Legend, The Man From Modern History Press

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Reviews

""This enduring monument exists from the activism and advocacy of a small group of people, and only together can we repair the cracks in the foundation of our collective inherited national histories. Let Solomon Northup's message of tribulation and perseverance connect our past to our future, and resonate through the centuries to invigorate new generations to strive for restorative justice and unity."" -- Wesley Wofford, Fellow of the National Sculpture Society ""The power of remembering one-time slave Solomon Northup with a statue cannot be underestimated for keeping his story front and center for future generations. Larry Jorgensen has beautifully captured Northrup and his statue's history in this book."" -- Tyler R. Tichelaar, PhD and award-winning author of Kawbawgam: The Chief, The Legend, The Man

Author Information

I was inspired to write ""Solomon Northup: Hope Out of Darkness"" because I had become curious about the Northup Trail after seeing historical markers erected throughout my home area. I have toured the trail many times, learning about Solomon Northup's twelve years as a slave and how it all took place right here in Louisiana. In 2014, when the movie about his slavery won the Academy Award, I had the opportunity to share my research on his trail and photos to create a feature article that was published in several newspapers. During my decades of writing for newspapers, radio, and television, no other story made such an impact on me as I learned more about this important part of American history. When I heard of plans to create a sculpture and permanent memorial to Solomon Northup, I knew there remained much more to be told, and I hoped to share what I would learn during the statue's journey. As many speakers on that journey remarked, there remains much more to be done.

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