DER Weekends: Remembering Detroit abolitionist and Underground Railroad hero William Lambert
“Detroit Evening Report Weekends” spends time with the community members who make up Detroit’s rich culture and identity.
William Lambert was a significant figure in Detroit's abolitionist movement during the mid to late 19th century.
On the latest episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley spoke with Kimberly Simmons of the Detroit River Project about William Lambert.
Lambert was a free Black man who served as a station master on the Underground Railroad. He founded several abolitionist and religious organizations in the city — including some historic churches that still serve Detroit today.
Born in New Jersey, Lambert came to Detroit in 1840 as a cabin boy on a steamboat before establishing a successful tailoring and dry cleaning business.
The United States Postal Service is honoring Lambert with a Forever Stamp as a part of a series recognizing heroes of the Underground Railroad.
Simmons spoke with Tinsley about Lambert’s abolitionist work, his involvement in several historic Detroit institutions, and about her own connection to Lambert.
Listen to the episode using the media player above.
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