Freedom By any Other Name

"The African American experience has been framed throughout history through the thoughtfully written and spoken words of sung and unsung heroes and she-roes. These words have and continue to encourage, inspire, and challenge us to continue our journey on the road to freedom and equality."

These were the words that framed and gave shape to this year's Black History Month display Freedom By Any Other Name. The exhibit hung on the walls of the Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral Nave in downtown St. Louis. Posters from the Many Waters PBS series captured the eloquent words of famous African Americans. These posters were coupled with mostly black and white photographs and artifacts on large picture frames for a colorful engaging display. Also on view were poster reproductions that further embellished the display. On display from February 1st through the first full week of March visitors had the opportunity to read short biographies on the African American men and women quoted and view the thoughtfully displayed photographs. I continue to collect and use photographs from friends, family and community members to share our history. I have stated this before and believe strongly that our family albums and scrapbooks more accurately tell our history than the few iconic images that are found in many history books. Take out your precious photographs, share them with friends, family and community, help to tell the story of all of us.

In the News Pt. 2

You never know when there's an opportunity to connect with someone so you need to be open to chance meetings and the wonderful things that can come from those meetings.  I connected with an interesting gentleman recently and it led to an interview and opportunity to share a little bit about my passion for African American History.  Rich Reese allowed me to talk about and promote my current exhibit, Freedom By any Other Name, on his show.  Rich hosts a show on KDHX  Independent Radio Station  88.1   Pop! The Beat Bubble Burst  and he put his on spin on celebrating Black History Month and has done so for the past several years.  He now has a new fan and listener.  I hope you'll join me on Thursday mornings by tuning into his show from 10 a.m. to noon.  As soon as it is up, I'll share the show that was recorded this week.  Thanks Rich!

In the News

February 2014                                                                                   

We received an invitation from KWMU radio (NPR) to discuss our upcoming Sunday program, A Tribute to Mrs. Rosa Parks and the ongoing exhibit Freedom By Any Other Name.  Pat Partridge the Christ Church Cathedral choirmaster and organist and I shared some thoughts about the hymn Mr. Partridge wrote, Mrs. Parks and the significance of this year's exhibit in the nave of Christ Church Cathedral.  Take a few minutes to listen.

 http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/christ-church-cathedral-pay-tribute-rosa-parks

Please join us Sunday, February 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral 1210 Locust across from Central Library in downtown St. Louis.  The exhibit is on display in the church nave through the first week of March.

P.S.
The concert "A Tribute to Mrs. Rosa Parks" was an inspired offering and gift to the St. Louis community.  The choir, guest soloists, organist and choirmaster Mr. Pat Partridge and the angelic voice of Ms. Angel Riley were soul stirring and not to be missed.  Plans are underway for next year's concert, put this on your 2015 calendar now!  To hear and view excerpts from the concert click here.

Intersecting Histories

Intersecting Histories is a Facebook project designed to encourage the Facebook community to exchange  photographs and stories creating a different way of sharing our common history.  The idea came from the museum's current 2014 display Freedom By Any Other Name.  While many history books have condensed African American history into a few chapters accompanied by a select few iconic images, Black history is so much more.  Woven into the fabric of the story of America and its people, our stories intersect one another, creating a rich tapestry.  The images of our family scrapbooks present a more accurate description of "our'" history.  I encourage you to visit us on Facebook and share your family photographs and stories.  

"The treasured images of our parent’s and grandparent’s scrap books are the more accurate depictions of our history. Looking into the eyes of these haunting images, their stories beg to be told and shared. While some names may have been forgotten their stories live on in the precious photographs that capture their pride, strength, resilience, hope and determination."

Sister Ebo

     If you don't know the name Sister Antona Ebo, here's one to add to your list of Amazing African American women and Civil Rights pioneers.  Sister Ebo is a Franciscan Sister of Mary and a true St. Louis treasure.  If you have the opportunity to hear her share her amazing life journey I urge you to do so.  It's an honor to be in the presence of this humble, outspoken, wise woman.  Still sharing her gifts and talents with the St. Louis community, Sister Ebo brags that she will turn 90 in April 2014.

                   photographed with Sister Ebo at a St. Louis Public Library event January 2014


                        
Sister Ebo received the St. Louis American Newspaper's Lifetime Achievement award in 2012 and was introduced with this short film (above) honoring her career.

Pete Seeger

A couple of years ago I was researching information on an upcoming speaker for the museum.  In that research I continued to come across the name of Pete Seeger.  I knew the name from the Civil Rights era but more so from the children's records I played for my preschoolers and Kindergartners.  Mr. Seeger's music was woven through the Civil Rights movement and beyond.  I decided to write to him and thank him for his gift of music.  I shared with him information about the Hands on Black History Museum and how it was my vision to share the legacy of those in the movement with the next generation.  To my surprise he wrote me back and sent a letter and copy of his book, "How to play the 5-String Banjo."  Today, January 28, 2014 it was announced that Peter Seeger had passed away at the age of 94.