The story of slavery and the African American experience before the Emancipation Proclamation "isn't one story," according to DeRamus, but rather a multitude of stories. This book takes a broad look at the various extraordinary ways that enslaved and dehumanized people achieved freedom and the means to a self-determined life. Drawn from unpublished memoirs, census records, government reports, periodicals, books and much more, this narrative reveals how men and women were willing not just to risk their lives to escape the slave system, but able to use their intelligence and cunning to manipulate the system, outwit slave traders and brave the unknown in order to assert their humanity.--From publisher description.

Bk. I: Prisoners of love. The big bluff ; Waters of hope ; He had to have her ; Romeo must live ; Aunt Sally's coffeehouse ; The pregnant pilgrim ; The six-gun solution ; These feet were made for walking ; A penny for your pain -- Bk. II: Tricks and traps on the road to freedom. The breakfast of generals ; The danger of being Dangerfield ; Fake lawyers and phony washing machines ; Horse hair can be handy ; And the Oscar goes to-- -- Bk. III: That cold black magic. Don't call her mammy.