William Still, hailed as the "Father of the Underground Railroad," was a visionary leader and courageous champion of freedom. A brilliant strategist and tireless organizer, he assisted thousands of Americans in escaping slavery through a covert network he helped develop and sustain during one of the most transformative periods in American history. His efforts in the antebellum abolition movement were the catalyst for America's deadliest war―the Civil War. His pursuit of justice was profoundly personal―rooted in his devotion to family and an unwavering belief in liberty. This compelling narrative, told by his great-great grandniece―author and sports legend Valerie Still―restores the legacy of a pivotal yet often overlooked freedom fighter and human rights legend. Through never-before-published letters and rare archival materials, it unveils the private world of a man whose courage transformed lives. Central to this powerful account is the poignant correspondence between William and his daughter, Caroline Virginia Still―a pioneering scholar, nineteenth century professional working mother and one of the first Black women physicians in the USA. Rich in research and deeply personal, this book also celebrates the extraordinary women who shaped William's life and legacy―from his courageous mother Charity and steadfast wife Letitia to legendary allies like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. More than a biography, it offers a vivid portrait of an American family's over 300-year journey from enslavement to empowerment to legacy―an enduring testament to resistance, resilience, and love. Ultimately, it shows that true liberation and empowerment are rooted in the bonds we share as family―reminding us that our strength as a human family endures. Still Family. "For anyone who cares and is personally concerned for accurate interpretation of the complex life of William Still, the abolitionist movement, and African American family life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this book is a must read. Valerie Still, a descendant of William Still, provides a thoroughly investigated study of her ancestors. She faithfully renders a historical narrative that includes in-depth analysis of the Williiam Still family unclouded by biases that have been offered by others attempting to recreate his story. Valerie Still is in a unique position because her account includes primary sources in the form of family oral histories unavailable to others. She offers a vivid reconstruction and extraordinary narration from her extensive years of research that enlivens the reader to an African American experience during the period of slavery from those who knew their value as human beings, not property. Valerie gives us a record of their resilience, perseverance, faith, dignity, love, and passion for liberty."―Diane D. Turner and Charles L. Blockson, Temple University Libraries Valerie Still is a former professional basketball player, coach, author, and musician. As a member of the University of Kentucky women's basketball team (1979-1983), she became the all-time basketball leading scorer and rebounder (male or female). Still holds a master's degree in African and African American studies and is a PhD candidate in Sports Humanities at The Ohio State University.