Event
Girl in Black and White: The Story of Mary Mildred Williams and the Abolition Movement
Fee:
Free.Location:
Carriage House at 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge MADates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
When a decades-long court battle resulted in her family's freedom in 1855, seven-year-old Mary Mildred Williams unexpectedly became the face of American slavery. During a sold-out abolitionist lecture series, Charles Sumner, senator and close friend of the Longfellows', paraded Mary in front of rapt audiences as evidence that slavery knew no bounds. Through her research, Jessie Morgan-Owens restores Mary's story to history and uncovers a dramatic narrative of travels along the Underground Railroad, relationships tested by oppression, and the struggles of life after emancipation.
Jessie Morgan-Owens is currently the Dean of Studies and director of curriculum at Bard Early College in New Orleans. Her book, Girl in Black and White (March 2019, W.W. Norton) introduces an unknown poster child whose photograph transformed the abolition movement. In addition to her academic work, Jessie shoots photography professionally with the award winning team Morgan & Owens. Jessie is originally from Monroe, Louisiana.
Space is limited, so please call (617) 876-4491 or email long_reservations@nps.gov to reserve your spot!
Reservation or Registration: Yes
Image Gallery
Author's images