PBS: Many Rivers to Cross (Into the Fire)

Viewing online the PBS Series, Many Rivers to Cross. Into the Fire (the 3rd series) focuses on Reconstruction, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Contrabands of the Union. During this plight, it warmed my heart to hear the story of Mary Smith Peake, an educator of children of former slaves. In 1861, she taught children as well as adults to read/write on what is known today as the Emancipation Oak tree located on the campus of Hampton University. She taught over 900 people in hopes of preparing them for full citizenship. The Emancipation Oak tree still stands today.