William Harvey CarneyWilliam Harvey Carney is my character in the essay I was assigned. The purpose of my research paper is to provide insight into William Harvey Carney's life journey and his impact on others. Unfortunately William Harvey Carney's young life was a struggle and very difficult. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia. William was born into slavery for much of his childhood; rather don't call it childhood. Ann Dean Williams' mother remained on the plantation, while William and his father, also known as William Carney, fled the plantation via the Underground Railroad. Like many other slaves, Williams' father adopted the surname of the plantation owner. When they escaped the Underground Railroad they met Harriet Tubman. Most slaves were born into slavery hard, cold and blind, without knowing their names, without knowing where they came from. No education came to mind, just work and 100 degree sun. It was illegal for slaves to learn to speak. Laws were created to prevent slaves from fleeing their plantations. Therefore as soon as William fled ...