Detroit Historian Works to Preserve Forgotten Black History

Sharon Sexton has spent decades uncovering rare accounts of the Underground Railroad and other African American stories.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:15pm

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A Detroit historian named Sharon Sexton has dedicated years to researching and preserving lesser-known stories of African American history, including finding a rare newspaper interview with an Underground Railroad agent and a book from the 1800s describing a man's escape from enslavement. Sexton is now working to reprint and share these historical materials so that future generations can learn from them.

Why it matters

Many important stories and firsthand accounts of African American history have been lost or forgotten over time. Sexton's work to uncover and preserve these rare historical materials helps ensure that the full breadth of Black history is not erased, and that the contributions and experiences of African Americans are properly documented and shared.

The details

While researching the Underground Railroad nearly 30 years ago, Sexton discovered a newspaper article from the 1800s that included an interview with William Lambert, one of the Underground Railroad agents. She also found a book from the same era that contained a man's firsthand account and drawings of his escape from enslavement. Sexton believed other historians would eventually locate and publish these materials, but after years of searching, she realized that had not happened. Now 70 years old and facing a health diagnosis, Sexton is determined to get this information out to the public before it is lost.

  • Sexton discovered the historical materials nearly 30 years ago while researching the Underground Railroad.
  • Sexton is now 70 years old and working to preserve the materials before they are lost.

The players

Sharon Sexton

A Detroit historian and author who has spent decades researching the Underground Railroad and other lesser-known African American history.

William Lambert

An Underground Railroad agent who was interviewed in a rare 1800s newspaper article discovered by Sexton.

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What they’re saying

“Their story really hasn't gotten out. So now that I'm 70 years old and getting diagnosis, I cannot just sit on this information anymore. Get this information out so people can absorb what these individuals did like 170 years ago.”

— Sharon Sexton, Historian (clickondetroit.com)

What’s next

Sexton is now raising money to reprint the historical newspaper article and book she discovered, with the goal of making these rare materials available to the public and ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

The takeaway

Sexton's work highlights the importance of preserving lesser-known stories of African American history, which are at risk of being lost to time. By uncovering and sharing these rare firsthand accounts, she is helping to ensure a more complete and accurate understanding of the Black experience in America.