Underground Railroad Conference April 12-14

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.

 

An enriching weekend awaits! Mark your calendars! Spread the word! Check the website at www.UndergroundRailroadHistory.org for info and registration. See you in April! 

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