From August 2019 – August 2020, the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation commemorates 400 + Years of Fortitude of Americans of African descent and their contributions to our country.
Tag Archives: Dred Scott
Virginians for reconciliation
On April 3, 2019, the Virginians for Reconciliation hosted the descendants of Dred Scott and Roger B. Taney for a day-long visit and programs as an early event in their year long recognition of the 400th year anniversary (1619 -2019) of the first Africans who arrived in Virginia in 1619.
The reconciliation committee, lead by former Governor Bob McDonnell, was formed in 2018 to support racial healing through conversation and policy changes.
The day included a visit to the Capital Building and the State House, where Lynne Jackson (Dred Scott) and Charlie Taney (Chief Justice Roger B. Taney) visited and addressed many of the legislative groups. They were recognized in the General Assembly along with former Governor Bob McDonnell by Presiding Officer of the Senate Justin Fairfax, Delegate Delores McQuinn, Speaker Kirk Cox and introduced and bios read by Delegate Roslyn C. Tyler.
Pastor Sylvester Turner and Rev. Ben Campbell took the entourage to the Richmond Slave Trail. At this site, the enslaved disembarked from the long voyage from Africa and began another most difficult journey.
A somber visit to Lumpkin’s Jail revealed an underground holding facility for enslaved persons that was confirmed by archaeologists in 2005. It was covered over and will soon become a part of a museum. While in office, former Gov. McDonnell appropriated $11,000,000 for the of the construction of the site renovation.
Amid several interviews with CBN, NPR, a Virginia Union University student reporter, Jackson and Taney were assisted by Attorney Paul Hedges, acting ED for VFR, Lynne Ross, Legal Consultant and past ED for NAAG, Rhian Senseman, Executive Assistant, VFR and Keith Westbrook, Administrative Assistant to Delegate McQuinn. The group made their way to Virginia Union University where Lynne and Charlie spoke and shared their story of meeting, connecting, apology and forgiveness and interacted with the audience. Thank you to all who made this possible. A special thanks to former Governor Bob McDonnell and co-sponsors Virginians For Reconciliation., Virginia Union University and Virginia Commonwealth University. To watch the full program, click here.
Additional Resources:
Descendants of Dred Scott, Roger Taney attend reconciliation event at VUU (Richmond-Times Dispatch)
Descendants of racist Supreme Court decision pledge ‘truth-telling, forgiveness and redemption’ (Capital News Service)
Main Image: Lynne Jackson (left), a great-great-granddaughter of Dred Scott’s, and Charles Taney, a descendant of Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney’s, spoke Wednesday at VUU. Photo taken by JAMES H. WALLACE/TIMES-DISPATCH
project Say something

As a guest of Project Say Something and the University of North Alabama Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity, Lynne spoke at the University on Feb 25, 2019. Project Say Something of Florence, AL is campaigning to erect a monument of former residents Dred and Harriet Scott in front of their local courthouse to contextualize the Confederate monument that has stood there since 1903. The Scotts were chosen after a year-long campaign to educate, raise awareness, and seek an alternative to the existing monument, which is protected by Alabama state law. The Scotts’ struggle for justice inspired the group; they believe the Scotts’ perseverance in their fight for freedom is an important reminder for future generations that justice is often a struggle.

Special Interest Feature: Dred Scott Immortalized on May 9, 2012 By Missouri Artist Sculptor, E.S. Schubert
We believe this dedication is deserving of all the attention that can be given. Again, it is with sincere gratitude offered to Missouri Artist/Sculptor, E.S. Schubert for immortalizing Dred Scott with your work. Thank you.This portrait of Civil Rights Icon, Dred Scott was originally commissioned for the Hall of Famous Missourians. The first of the edition resides in the Missouri Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Missouri. This sculpture was dedicated on May 9, 2012, one month before the dedication of a statue of Dred and Harriet Scott outside of The Old Courthouse in St. Louis, MO, making it the first known monumental statue of Dred Scott.
Content source: E.S. Schubert Sculpture Studios
Be On The Bus! The Dred Scott Footprints Bus Tour 2018
Young Friends of Dred Scott
8th Annual Field Trip
Saturday, October 20, 2018
The tour begins at 8:45 a.m. at the Eugene Field House – 634 South Broadway and ends there by 4:00 p.m. Tour bus by Vandalia Bus Lines with accommodations.
This fascinating bus tour of the St. Louis area will tour and visually explore over 25 locations and memorials that connect to and honor the person and cause of Dred Scott’s struggle for freedom. You will be surprised and delighted by the hidden gems around the St. Louis area that exist to recognize the significance of the man and his story. Lessor known art, sculpture and honors exist all around us; some which you may pass by everyday unaware.
There will be a drawing for the New Dred Scott T-Shirt and Mug during the tour.
Updated route for return tourists!
Registration deadline is October 19, 2018
Send payment with name(s) and phone number to:
DSHF-Tour
P. O. Box 2009
Florissant, MO 63032-2009
The tour will be narrated by a Dred Scott descendant.
The all-inclusive price of $75.00 includes: free secured parking at the starting site; modern bus with facilities, day long tour with many surprises, lunch at the iconic Blueberry Hill, information on national locatio ns where Dred Scott is heralded and honored, games, souvenirs, photo ops and special guests along the route. This fast paced tour has delighted young and old.
Group registrations of 5 or more are discounted at $65.00
Be sure to bring your camera! Wear comfortable shoes. You can board and disembark as you desire. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
For more information contact:
Tiffanie Durham
Young Friends of Dred Scott
314-452-0823
Classical music should reflect the society we live in: Chamber Project returns for 10th year
Dana Hotle, Kyle Lombard and Adam Manness dicussed the Chamber Project of Saint Louis’ 10th season.
ALEX HEUER | ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO
Originally published on September 6, 2017 5:14 pm
Can the story of the famed Dred Scott decision be effectively put to music? In this tenth year of the Chamber Project Saint Louis, composer Adam Manness is giving it a try.
The first concert of the season, titled “Faith,” features the world premiere of Manness’ “The Devil and the Law,” a work commissioned by Chamber Project based on the Dred Scott case. In it, Manness uses voice, string quartet and flute, transitioning in sound from the darkness of the decision itself to a powerful reflection by Frederick Douglass on the case, ending on a note of hope.
Dana Hotle, a clarinetist and co-artistic director of Chamber Project, said the concert will combine this composition with Manness’ “Delmar Wall” for a night of reflection on the idea of faith and the history of St. Louis. It will be performed at the Missouri History Museum in connection with the current exhibition “#1 in Civil Rights, the African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis.”
Listen
Listening…
Chamber Project Saint Louis embarks on its 10th season by paying homage to St. Louis, the good and the bad, in a series of seven concerts. St. Louis on the Air contributor Steve Potter spoke with contributors to this year’s performances.
It falls into the entire theme of the season, consisting of seven concerts held at varying venues across St. Louis, which addresses St. Louis and its place in the world.
“We decided with our 10th season is that we wanted to celebrate St. Louis because the mission of Chamber Project is to build community in St. Louis,” Hotle said. “We employ over 20 artists and musicians in St. Louis and we keep it local. The community has supported us so much in the past 10 years, we wanted to celebrate that.”
Chamber Project violinist Kyle Lombard said he appreciates the ensemble’s casual feel, accessibility and commitment to putting the best classical music product on stage.
“For aficionados, these performances add context to works they already know,” Hotle said. “For people who are new to the genre, these concerts give them context to feel like they’re on the inside. One of the things we started with in the Chamber Project was trying to frame music that makes it accessible to everyone. A lot of that is telling a story through the music and finding stories people can relate to. What is the story behind the music? What will you connect to?”
Part of that means putting the music in different venues than classical music is typically played in. In this season, concerts will take place in venues ranging from the Missouri History Museum, The Chapel near Washington University’s campus, the Schlafly Tap Room and the Vino Gallery.
Such a change-up in venue also brings the performers closer together, said Lombard.
“As a violinst, I’m always thinking about the space I’m playing, projection,” Lombard said. “The connection that we feel with Chamber Project is what is really special. When you’re thrown into a brand new acoustic, it is a challenge for players to stay connected to one another.”
Concert themes this season range from faith to architecture to protest to environmentalism, but Hotle said the key to this season is its diversity in the composers and performers highlighted.
“We are very passionate that our art form of classical music should reflect the society we live in,” Hotle said. “It doesn’t need to disregard the classical, great, white European composers, to include their stories in the way they are relevant today, but also to include as many diverse people as possible: women, people of color. That’s what will keep this art form alive, if they can connect this music, this art form, to their lives.”
Chamber Project is also hosting a docent led tour of the Missouri History Museum’s exhibition “#1 in Civil Rights, the African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis” September 6 at 7:00 p.m. Register here.
Related Event
What: Chamber Project Saint Louis Presents “Faith”
When: Friday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Missouri History Museum, Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue in Forest Park, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
Copyright 2017 St. Louis Public Radio. To see more, visit St. Louis Public Radio.
Maryland State House Removes Statue Of Judge Who Wrote Dred Scott Decision
The article featured on Station WWFD.ORG reported/written by is the removal of the monument dedicated to former Chief Justice of the United States Roger Taney in Annapolis, Md..
Read the online post click here:
https://www.wfdd.org/story/maryland-state-house-removes-statue-judge-who-wrote-dred-scott-decision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Healing & Reconciliation 160th Annversary Of Dred Scott Decision Monday March 6, 2017
MARYLAND STATE HOUSE ANNAPOLIS, MD – 3/2/2017 — NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE NAACP Anne Arundel County, Maryland Branch P.O. 6210 Annapolis Maryland 21401 Phone: 443-883-5151 www.annearundelcountynaacp.org
A CALL FOR RACIAL HEALING & RECONCILIATION ON THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRED SCOTT DECISION Monday, March 6, 2017
THE EVENT
On Monday, March 6, 2017, at 11:30 am, the 160th anniversary of the Dred Scott decision, there will be a historic apology made for The Dred Scott Decision at The Robert Brooke Taney statue in front of the Maryland State House. The Descendants of both former Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney and The Dred Scott family are coming together on March 6th for two reasons. First, to reconfirm the reconciliation of the Scotts and Taneys, with accompanying apology and forgiveness. Second, to speak against the removal of the Roger Brooke Taney statue Maryland State Capitol Grounds. Instead, they see an opportunity for reconciliation via the erection of statues of Dred Scott and Frederick Douglass to stand in a position of dialogue with Roger Brooke Taney, along with an educational display on the Dred Scott decision and its aftermath. And, they will help raise the funds for the Dred Scott statue. The Scotts and Taneys believe that Americans should learn from their history, not bury their history.
For additional information …
http://www.crossroadstoday.com/story/34647475/historic-healing-reconciliation-l-160th-annversary-of-dred-scott-decision-l-monday-march-6-2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
160th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision
Annapolis, MD Reconciliation Event
March 6, 2017
Contact: Tracey Wagner
[email protected]
Phone: 443-333-9410
The modern-day families of Dred Scott and Roger Brooke Taney were brought together by a work of art.
In May, 2016, the renowned Actors Studio in New York City produced the premier of A Man of His Time, a one act play centered on an emotional meeting of the descendants of Scott and Taney set in today’s time. The playwright is Kate Taney Billingsley, an actor and member of the Actors Studio. The Actors Studio invited Lynne Jackson, the great-great-granddaughter of Dred Scott and Charlie Taney, the great-great-great nephew of Roger Brooke Taney to come to New York to participate in a talk-back session with the audience after the play. Jackson lives in Missouri, Taney in Connecticut.
After meeting in New York, Lynne Jackson and Charlie Taney formed a working relationship. Jackson says; “Only Divine Providence could have set up the Scott and Taney descendant’s first meeting around an amazing play written by a Taney about Scott and Taney descendants meeting for the first time! I had hoped to meet and draw them out over time to build a relationship through the Foundation’s work and they actually contacted me. It was a highlight for me personally and for the Foundation’s 10th anniversary.”
Jackson is the founder and president of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation in St. Louis and needed help with a strategic plan. Taney consults with non-profits and offered to work pro bono with Jackson on this project. After successfully completing the strategic plan, Jackson invited Taney to Dred Scott Presents Sons & Daughters of Reconciliation, a December 2016 conference in St. Louis hosted by the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. At this event the Taney and Scott families participated in a public reconciliation. Taney recognized the harm caused to African Americans by the infamous Dred Scott decision authored by Roger Brooke Taney, and formally apologized for the Taney family to the Scott family. In turn, the Scott family formally forgave the Taney family. The result is a new foundation of trust, and a commitment to work together on the reconciliation of black and white America. Charlie Taney says, “Working with Lynne Jackson and the Scott family on reconciliation has been an important and deeply moving experience. “
Another work of art, the statue of Roger Brooke Taney in Annapolis, is bringing the Scott’s and Taney’s together again. On March 6, 2017, the 160th anniversary of the Dred Scott decision, they will be at the Taney statue in front of the Maryland State House. They are coming together on March 6th for two reasons. First, to reconfirm the reconciliation of the Scott’s and Taney’s, with accompanying apology and forgiveness. Second, to speak against the removal of the Taney statue. Instead, they see an opportunity for reconciliation via the erection of a statue of Dred Scott to stand side-by-side with Roger Brooke Taney, along with an educational display on the Dred Scott decision and its aftermath. And, they will help raise the funds for the Dred Scott statue. The Scott’s and Taney’s believe that Americans should learn from their history, not bury their history.
On the morning of March 6th, a reading of A Man of His Time will be performed.
As President Obama said in his remarks at Reverend Pickney’s funeral after the 2015 Charleston massacre; “Justice grows out of our recognition of each other”.
Source:
https://twitter.com/KTBillzzz
Dred Scott Reconciliation Conference 10th Anniversary
A benefit gala at Frontenac Hilton Hotel in Frontenac, MO
On December 2nd – 3rd, 2016 the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation held its Dred Scott Reconciliation Conference at the Frontenac Hilton Hotel’s Clayton Room. This celebration and conference marked its 10th Anniversary.
Photo source: B. Webster for Blacktie-Missouri