|
Colia Clark |
April 12: Opalka Gallery, Sage College, 140 New
Scotland Ave., Albany
April 13: Russell Sage College, 65 First St.,
Troy
April 13: Evening Potluck and Session, The Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave., Troy
April 14: The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence, 194
Livingston Ave., Albany
Milestones
on the Road to Freedom: The Emancipation Proclamation, Harriet Tubman, and the
March on Washington - a Legacy and a Future
2013
is the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 100th
anniversary of the death of Harriet Tubman and the 50th anniversary of the 1963
March on Washington. This 12th annual conference on the Underground Railroad
seeks to connect the Underground Railroad, these key events and present day
struggles for freedom and justice. To that end, an extraordinary schedule of
events is planned for young and old alike.
|
Michele Wallace |
Friday’s Educators’ Workshop will focus on racial identity
and privilege. The afternoon segment of the workshop will be privileged to have
Michele Wallace, Black feminist, art analyst and daughter of Faith Ringgold,
offer her comments on the topic. As well, Ms. Wallace will provide Friday
evening’s Opening Address, The Portrayal of Slavery and the Underground
Railroad in the Visual Art of Faith Ringgold, with Reference to the
Path-Breaking Work of Jacob Lawrence.
|
Andor Skotnes |
Leading
off Saturday morning, Historian Andor Skotnes will speak on The Importance
(or Non-Importance) of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and Today. He
will be joined by Tubman scholar Kate Clifford Larson, speaking on Harriet
Tubman Then and Now: a Woman of Importance. Over 25 workshops will be
available, along with the inclusion of family friendly programming, new and
returning vendors, more exhibitors, and the annual raffle. Keynote speaker
Colia Clark, lifelong social activist with roots in the NAACP and SNCC, will
speak on The Southern Civil Rights Struggle in the 1950s and 1960s, and the
Legacy of the Underground Railroad. With their artistry, performers
Travelin’ This Road, SUNYA Chamber Singers, and soloist MaryNell Morgan will
help us touch the past to be inspired in the present. A palate-pleasing
reception with stimulating conversation will close Saturday’s events.
|
Kate Clifford Larson |
Saturday evening at 7:30pm (potluck
prior) at Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave., Troy (www.mediasanctuary.org). Louis Massiah will present a program that is
co-sponsored by Underground Railroad History Project.
The
Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence will be the focus of Sunday’s events with
tours, slide show, USCT re-enactment unit demonstration, and discussion about
the future of the Myers Residence. A light lunch buffet will be available.
Submitted by Mary Liz Stewart, Underground Railroad
History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. 54 Bertha Street, Albany, NY 12209
-- 518-465-8708 -- marylizugr [at] gmail [dot] com