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Discovering your roots on a long ride on the great American outdoors in the company of family, sounds like a great way to experience an Amtrak sleeper car for the first time. Tina, Jashed and Khari Fakhrid-Deen took a voyage full of bonding from Chicago to Denver and made stops at a few landmarks along the way to learn more about black heritage in the Midwest.

The Fakhrid-Deens’ visits to places such as The Great American West Museum and other historical sites provided them with exposure to new information and the impacts that Black people have had on the region.

We’ve provided some photos from their exciting family excursion. Enjoy!

1. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak Source:Interactive One

The Fakhrid-Deen family get ready to leave Chicago for their mid-west journey.

2. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak7 Source:Interactive One

Tina, Jashed and Khair Fakhrid-Deen admire a black historical site in Denver.

3. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak6 Source:Interactive One

Hand-in-hand, Tina, Jashed and Khari Fakhrid-Deen board an Amtrak train in
Union Station in Denver, Colorado

4. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak5 Source:Interactive One

This train is Midwest bound with the Fakhrid-Deen family in tow.

5. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak4 Source:Interactive One

The Fakhrid-Deen’s visit a historical site in Denver during the journey to exploring their roots.

6. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak Source:Interactive One

Khari Fakhrid-Deen looks at photos of black cowboys like Nat Love and Bill Pickett, while learning about the influence of Black people in the Midwest at The Black American West Museum.

7. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak2 Source:Interactive One

Khari Fakhrid-Deen listens to her parents in an intimate setting as they ride along a stunning view of the great outdoors.

8. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak Source:Interactive One

At the Amtrak station in Chicago, Jashed Fakhrid-Deen traces a map of their journey to his family.

9. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak Source:Interactive One

Khari Fakhrid-Deen reads a book in her comfortable Amtrak sleeper car.

10. An Amtrak Photo Story

Amtrak Source:Interactive One

A breakfast meal enjoyed by the Fakhrid-Deen family on the train