Brunswick County Black History Symposium

February 8-10     Black History Symposium, A Three-Day Cultural Event, Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay Street, Southport, NC  28461

Local Black History will be on display throughout the weekend.  Presenting the symposium is Donnie Joyner, an amateur North Carolinian Black History researcher and historian.

Friday, 8, 7 p.m.   Ms. Carolyn Evans, Ms. Carolyn Evans is an accomplished actress, dancer, educator, storyteller, motivational speaker and author. Her resume includes performances at PENN Center, Inc., the Apollo and La Mama Theatres, as well as in North Buxton, Canada, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  She has appeared on PBS TV and CNN TV.  Ms. Evans will be performing as Harriet Tubman.  As a leader of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman led many slaves to freedom.

Saturday, 9          Attend a day of lectures.  Stay for all, or come for one.

• 10 a.m. – Black History Exhibit Opening
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Sweet Basket Demonstration, by Kisha Kinard. Baskets will be available for purchase.
• 2 – 3 p.m. – African American History and Culture in Southport, by Lisa Anderson. Come and share your Southport stories.  Following the discussion, walk next door to the Fort Johnston/Southport Museum to preview the Southport Historical Society’s new exhibit, African American History and Culture in Southport.  The purpose of this exhibit series is to cultivate awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of African Americans in Southport by advocating, showcasing, and preserving the art and history through memorabilia, photographs, and objects relating to the African American experience that helped to shape our community.
• 3-5 p.m. – African American History and Culture in Southport, Southport Historical Society Museum Exhibit Opening, Fort Johnston/Southport Museum
• 5 p.m. – African Americans in the U. S. Navy during the Civil War, by Mike Powell, the current President and Director of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table, Southport, NC.

Mr. Powell will recount the story of how African-Americans went from slavery to enlisted sailor in the US Navy over a period of 125 days,        in 1861.  He will compare the experiences of those freedom seekers who served in the US Army to those who joined the Navy and the many roles they played, from providing valuable intelligence to being awarded the Medal of Honor.

Sunday, 10, 3 p.m.        Old Time Gospel Fest, hosted by Mrs. Gwen Wearen

Programs are free, but donations will gratefully be accepted to help the following churches recover from Hurricanes Florence and Michael: Mt Carmel, AME Church, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and The First Baptist Church of Southport.