Museum PR Announcements News and Information

Freedom Center Awards Cincinnati Bengals Organization for Efforts to Combat Cancer

CINCINNATI -The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center awarded the Everyday Freedom Hero Award to the Cincinnati Bengals organization for their efforts in aiding Devon Still and daughter Leah in their fight against cancer.

The Everyday Freedom Hero Award was created to recognize individuals and organizations who strive to live up to the ideals of the Underground Railroad movement—courage, cooperation and perseverance, while using one’s resources for the wellbeing and betterment of their community.

“The Bengals’ commitment to the Still family and pediatric cancer research has not only inspired our community, but the nation as well,” noted Clarence G. Newsome, president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “We are elated to add the Cincinnati Bengals organization to the list of honorees, a list that includes diverse and dedicated individuals and groups across the globe.”

Bengals Executive Jeff Berding stated, “Devon Still and his daughter Leah are our heroes. Devon is a truly inspiring individual whose dedication to his daughter, Leah, through her battles with cancer, has rallied individuals and organizations from around the country to support pediatric cancer research. His love for his daughter and his determination that children should have more than a fighting chance against cancer is what led the Cincinnati Bengals to initiate the Devon Still #75 jersey campaign. We are proud that, with help from other NFL teams and fans in all 50 states, we could donate over $1.3 million for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer research. We accept this honor with Devon on behalf of Leah and all kids and families battling pediatric cancer.”

The Freedom Center exists to reveal stories about freedom’s heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times.

About the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) opened August 2004 on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Since then, more than 1.3 million people have visited its permanent and changing exhibits and public programs, inspiring everyone to walk in courageous steps for freedom. Two million people have utilized educational resources online at freedomcenter.org, working to connect the lessons of the Underground Railroad to inform and inspire today’s global and local fight for freedom. Partnerships include Historians Against Slavery, Polaris Project, Free the Slaves, US Department of State and International Justice Mission. In 2014, NURFC launched a new online resource in the fight against modern slavery, endslaverynow.org.