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About the Underground Railroad Star Board Game
Newton Knight vs John Brown, To Use or Not to Use
A Deep Dive into Heritage Owl’s Underground Railroad Star Board Game
A Mini History Lesson Disguised as Fun:
Rediscover Black History, Juneteenth, and Freedom – A Board Game That Educates and Inspires!
Game Concept & Educational Value
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Immerses players in a rich historical backdrop, granting them the opportunity to embody freedom seekers while deepening their understanding of the virtuous journeys of various abolitionists and conductors.
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Enriches the experience with intriguing "wild cards" that showcase diverse influential figures from history, such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and many others.
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Weaves in profound moral lessons, embodied by the cards of Henry “Box” Brown and John Brown, that delve into themes of problem-solving and ingenuity.
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Illuminates the enduring struggles of history, revealing their evolution over time and presenting the potent solutions that have emerged.
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Encourages players to ponder the vital significance of freedom and justice in our shared narrative.
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Sets itself apart from Monopoly's focus on mere economics, instead championing the values of intellect and compassion.
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Aspires to educate players about the pivotal events and key figures that shaped the Underground Railroad.
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Strikes a harmonious balance between enlightening content and enthralling gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
I thought the Underground Railroad was just about Black people escaping slavery. Why are there white people in this game? A: Great question! The game features historical figures, both Black and white, to highlight that the fight against servitude was a battle of good versus evil, not just a conflict between races. Many individuals from diverse backgrounds and races fought for abolitionism and civil rights, and this game recognizes their contributions. For example, you'll encounter wild cards like William Lloyd Garrison who worked with many Black activists
So, is this a game about the past, or does it have anything to do with today? It’s definitely rooted in history, but it’s also meant to be relevant to the present. The game makes a point to connect the historical struggle against slavery to contemporary forms of servitude, like debt, immigration, and trafficking
Is this game like Monopoly, where I can just buy up all the properties and bankrupt my friends? Absolutely not! Unlike Monopoly, where you start with cash at "GO", in this game, you'll be relying on your wits and the kindness of strangers . Think of it like trying to win Monopoly after being banned from playing for 400 rounds, then having everything you earn burned for another 50 rounds. It’s less about accumulating fake money and more about escaping oppression
Wait, so I’m not going to be rolling dice and buying hotels? What am I actually doing? A: You'll be stepping into the shoes of courageous abolitionists, conductors, and freedom seekers, navigating the treacherous routes of the Underground Railroad. Expect a journey filled with challenges, not just the usual board game tropes. You will learn about historical events, and key figures as you make your way to freedom
Q: Wild cards? So, like, I can use Harriet Tubman to get out of jail free? A: Not exactly. These "wild cards" represent historical figures like Anna T. Jeanes, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison, who can aid you on your journey . Harriet Tubman was known as the "Moses" of the Underground Railroad, so she's a great ally to have. You'll be learning about their specific roles and impact as you play
How does the gameplay of the Underground Railroad board game differ from Monopoly? Unlike Monopoly, players in the Underground Railroad game don't start with money on GO. They must use their wits and rely on the kindness of others to advance . The game also emphasizes the historical context of servitude and its parallels to modern issues
Q: I saw something about a John Brown card. Can I use him to beat up the other players? A: Haha, not quite. The John Brown card is a little different. He was known to call Harriet Tubman "General Tubman" . His card isn't a wild card; instead, it imparts a moral lesson about how "violence begets violence". It's a more thoughtful game, even with the fun. On the other hand, there’s also Henry "Box" Brown who has a card that can take you farther without using violence
Q: Ok, I'm intrigued. But, can I win by yelling "Abracadabra?" A: Well, it couldn't hurt to try! The game encourages you to think about how you might fight for freedom and justice, so you can try to "spill ink like Frederick Douglass... abracadabra your way out of it like Henry Box Brown... or Brave your way through it like Harriet Tubman..." But probably don't count on real magic.
What moral lessons does the game teach? The game addresses moral lessons like how "violence begets violence," as seen in the card of John Brown . It emphasizes the importance of strategies like using one's wits, employing creativity and bravery, as seen in the cards of Henry Box Brown and Harriet Tubman
How does the game encourage critical thinking? The game encourages players to consider the different paths to freedom, for example, "spilling ink like Frederick Douglass", employing "abracadabra" or ingenuity like Henry Box Brown, or using bravery like Harriet Tubman . It also asks the players to consider how they can 'get out of it'.
What is the goal of the game? The goal of the game is to navigate the challenges and use the resources at your disposal, such as the kindness of strangers and 'wild cards', to escape servitude
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