Curator/Administrator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FREEDOM LANDING FESTIVAL CELEBRATES REGION’S BLACK HISTORY
The North American Black Historical Museum, 277 King St., Amherstburg, is launching the Freedom Landing Festival on January 15 – 16 with three events.
Friday 7 pm: Movie Night (at the museum) features films from the 1930s and 40s, made by Black production companies for a segregated Black audience.
Saturday, 9 am: History Conference (at the museum) consisting of seven presentations:i.Lorene Bridgen, MA – 19th Century Temperance in S.W. Ontario’s Black Communityii.Irene Moore Davis (Essex County Black Historical Research Society) – African Canadian Involvement in the American Civil Wariii.Kenn Stanton, (museum Curator/Administrator) - The Escape of T. Jefferson Lightfoot – Thank you Josiah Henson (his 2nd great-grandfather) iv.Ray Robertson, (author) – readings from David, a novel set in the Buxton-Chatham settlements v.Shannon and Bryan Prince, (Buxton National Historic Site and Museum) – A Shadow on the Household: One Family’s Incredible Struggle for Freedomvi.Chiquita McKenzie-Bennett, Storyteller – Crossing the Waters: Between God and a Speck of Dustvii.Taslimah Bey, pianist – lecture and performance of Ragtime music of Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton and others.
Saturday, 8 pm: Nathaniel Dett Chorale in concert at St. John the Baptist Church, 225 Brock St., Amherstburg, in partnership with the River Lights Winter Festival.Museum Curator/Administrator, Kenn Stanton, says, “According to prominent 19th-century historians, Amherstburg was the main entry point for fugitive slaves crossing to freedom in Canada.
This festival celebrates Amherstburg’s importance to the Underground Railroad.” -30-For
Further Information, Contact:Kenn Stanton, Museum Administrator: 519.736.5433 tel.; 866.622.4672 fax
