Written by Liz Sharpe-Taylor
The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and with support from Sandberg Phoenix and von Gontard, P.C. are partnering together to commemorate the 160thanniversary of the historic day when the Scotts received their freedom. * On Saturday, August 12, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Foundation and the History Museum will host a celebration of that little known but monumental day with a series of festivities to recognize the long battle fought by the Scott family to win their freedom from enslavement.
The event will feature several presentations:
- A play, A Man of His Time, written by Kate Taney Billingsley, a descendant of Chief Justice Roger B.Taney of the Dred Scott Decision, and performed and directed by the St Louis Black Rep;
- A presentation by Lynne Madison Jackson titled Dred Scott: The History You Never Knew, revealing little known facts about St. Louis’ history and its relationship to the Dred Scott case;
- A musical composition entitled Freedom Suite, a powerful three-part movement written for the Dred Scott family by Dr. Barbara Harbach, Professor of Music at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, to be performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, featuring Alison Harney, Jessica Cheng, Chris Tantillo, Melissa Brooks and David DeRiso.
- And an encore panel discussion – Dred Scott Presents: Sons and Daughters of Reconciliation. Panelist include the families of Thomas Jefferson, (Shannon Lanier) Peter Blow, Scott’s owners (John LeBourgeois), Dred Scott (Lynne Jackson), Justice Roger B. Taney (Kate Taney Billingsley) and Jefferson Davis (Bertram Hayes-Davis). Their stories will reveal facts known and unknown facts about how their families are connected to the Dred Scott Decision.
For younger participants, the History Clubhouse will have special Dred Scott activities, and games provided by Anthony Clair, owner of Time 4Fun Events. Children will have the opportunity to learn from the Dred Scott Activity and Coloring Book, written by Lynne Madison Jackson, for the Foundation, supported by Really Big Coloring Books.
In addition, local actors John LaGrone and Peggy Nealy Harris from the Dred Scott Theatre Troupe and the Missouri History Museum’s Civil Rights Exhibit will portray famous characters of the Dred Scott Decision. Local artists Debi Piclkler, and CBABI Bayoc will create inspiring art in the grand hall.
Participating community organizations presenting that day include: Community Women Against Hardship, Father’s Support Center, Covering House, Greenwood Cemetery, Office of the Secretary of State, Really Big Coloring Books, EyeSeeMe African American Children’s Books, Dred Scott Stamp Campaign, Strength to Love Media Project, Time 4 Fun, Young Friends of Dred Scott and the DSHFoundation. * The actual date of the Scott family’s freedom was May 26, 1857
This event was initiated by and is generously sponsored by Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. We express thanks and appreciation to our sponsoring law firm.
The event is free and open to the public.
Photo source: mohistory.org/welcome