He shared his experiences and lectured on the abolitionist movement. His goal was to build momentum against slavery. Solomon's death remains unknown. Around 1863 Solomon disappeared and was never heard from again. Despite Solomon's passing, in 1984 Northup's memoirs were adapted and produced as a television film entitled The Odyssey of Solomon Northup. Also in 2013, the film 12 Years a Slave was produced based on his story. A year later, in 2014, the film won a 2014 Academy Award for Best Picture. Twelve Years a Slave helps people today understand the emotional realities faced by African American slaves. We finally understood what it meant to be a slave, but in reality we will never fully know what it meant to be a slave. Sacrifices and compromises are something many leaders have to deal with. Soloman had to put his life on the line to gain freedom. Solomon was forced to stay away from the people he loved