Freedom Stories History Forum: Tools of Resistance and Resilience

Thursday, January 11, 2024
6:30 PM 8:30 PM 18:30 20:30

Joe's Movement Emporium 3309 Bunker Hill Road Mount Rainier, MD 20712 (map)

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Freedom Stories History Forum: Tools of Resistance and Resilience

In the culminating forum of the Freedom Stories Initiative, Historians, writers and University professors explore and dive deep into the historical ramifications of slavery, freedom, and American history. The general public is now being exposed to the tool of freedom suits and using the very same law that enslaved them to ‘uno reverse’ and sue that same institutions and gain their freedom. What other tools were used? As is understood, enslavement of Africans was a gross violation of human rights and dignity – but did the enslaved Africans never accepted this lowly status. What were some of the tools of resistance that the enslaved used to topple, subvert, rebel and gain their freedom.

On this panel:

Omar Eaton-Martinez: senior Vice President for Historic Sites at the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Dr. Iyelli Ichile: History Professor at Prince George's Community College
Dr. Richard Bell: Author and History Professor at University of Maryland
Moderated by John Peter Thompson: Historian

Joe’s is part of the Freedom Stories Initiative with programs produced in partnership between Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights.

Freedom Stories discovers the histories, stories, names, and places where freedom from enslavement and oppression began in Prince George’s County. Through dialogue facilitated by programs, Freedom Stories strives to connect legacy to present day Prince George’s families and provide insight into the determination and resilience of Blacks living in Prince George’s County in the 1700’s. We explore history to create a more just and equitable present experience for our community and beyond.