News: CD_ER_MARYMEACHUM_12

Crista Griffin Hatcher, 9, holds onto a pink balloon before releasing it during the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration Saturday at the Mississippi River. Angela da Silva, of the National Black Tourism Network and professor of American Studies at Lindenwood University, said the balloon release symbolized the souls of the many slaves who crossed the river to freedom. {quote}We have to remember the past in order to move forward,{quote} she said.

Crista Griffin Hatcher, 9, holds onto a pink balloon before releasing it during the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration Saturday at the Mississippi River. Angela da Silva, of the National Black Tourism Network and professor of American Studies at Lindenwood University, said the balloon release symbolized the souls of the many slaves who crossed the river to freedom. "We have to remember the past in order to move forward," she said.