In celebration of Women’s History Month the River Road African American Museum various artists will perform selections from the Freedom is Coming: Songs of Freedom, Resistance & the Underground Railroad CD produced by New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park on Saturday, March 15, 2014, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the museum. 

 

The performance will feature traditional and gospel tunes associated with the pursuit of freedom during the years enslaved Africans toiled and worked toward freedom. The project is led by New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Ranger Matt Hampsey and features vocalist Elaine Foster, drummer Leroy Etienne, and bassist Michael Harris. Along with “Freedom is Coming” artist, quilter and storyteller, Dr. Nancy J. Dawson will perform excerpts from Stories from da Dirt (www.storiesfromdadirt.com) Dawson’s program which is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom has been showcased at college and universities across America. In addition, Dawson will offer a children’s quilt workshop from 10:30 to noon at the museum.

 

River Road is the only African American museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting art, artifacts and buildings for the purpose of educating visitors about the history and culture of the rural communities along the Mississippi River. The museum complex includes a Rosenwald Schoolhouse, the True Friend’s Benevolent Assoc. Hall, and the Freedom Garden which is also a part of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program and first lady Michele Obama’s Let’s Move Museums & Gardens Program. Visitors learn about the African and American influences on Louisiana architecture, agriculture, politics, music, folklore and foodways. 

 

This program is co-sponsored by the Ft. Donelson National Battlefield, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and River Road African American Museum. For more information please contact Kathe Hambrick Jackson at Kathe@aamuseum.org or 225-474-5553. This is one of the many programs offered free to the public by the museum.