African-American Cultural and Educational Presentations

Additional Programs

George DeBaptiste

Underground Railroad Conductor

Born a free black in Virginia, in 1815, he was the grandson of a man who fought in the Revolutionary War. After a brief stay in Cincinnati, DeBaptiste moved to Madison, Indiana - the Gateway to the Underground Railroad (URR). His barbershop became the URR communications center. When his white patrons teased him about being a secret URR agent, he would just laugh and say he “wasn’t smart enough for that.”

Baptiste personally helped over 140 runaways to hiding places on Indiana’s antislavery network. When Baptiste was forced to leave Southern Indiana, he became the personal valet of General William Harrison who was later elected U.S. President.

In 1846, DeBaptiste relocated to Detroit, the city called “Midnight” on the URR, and continued his “Freedom Train.” He also became an entrepreneur, wealthy businessman and helped raise a regiment of black soldiers during the Civil War.

Mr. DeBaptiste may share some of the secrets of the URR network now that slavery has ended. He has some amazing stories.

Private George Washington

28TH Regiment, United States Colored Troops

He was proud that his mama had named him George Washington when he was born a slave in Kentucky. It was really a shock to find seven other black men with the same name when he joined the army in Indiana! He grins and says that he is still “the only one named Washington in Company C.” The ole master told him not to pay any attention to that Emancipation Proclamation talk. He ju st couldn’t help thinking about freedom and ran off to Indiana to see for himself anyway. He didn’t know Uncle Abe was letting blacks be real soldiers either. Now, he has a nice uniform, food every day and he even gets paid! Why, he’d fight for free to save his poor ole mother he left behind in Kentucky, but getting paid sure helps out.

George says “soldiering ain’t no easy job – let me tell ya!”

Two Babas

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Music & Storytelling

The name “Baba” generally signifies an adult male in West African culture. More specifically, the use of Baba, as a title, is for a male that passes knowledge and wisdom on to youth. Africa has a very rich music & storytelling culture from which youth & adults continue to receive benefit.

The 2 Babas will share their cultural expressions with your 3 to 5 year-olds.

Music is a natural outlet for creativity and self-expression. The sheer joy of making music in a group promotes socialization and a wonderful feeling of belonging. It can bring shy children out of their shells and calm more boisterous personalities. Music can stimulate slower learners and help attention–challenged children focus. And children love to play rhythm instruments!

Storytelling has been proven to provide many positive effects; there are strong arguments that all pre-school teachers include storytelling, puppets, and imaginary journeys as an ongoing part of an age-appropriate curriculum.

The key to successful storytelling with young children is to involve them in the experience, making them feel they are a part of the process and a part of the story. This kind of hands-on, enjoyable learning may be more important to a young child’s long-term education than gaining the specific skill(s) targeted in the activity. Imaginary journeys and the use of puppets increase student participation in storytelling, which in turn increases hands-on, enjoyable, and effective learning,

Have the 2 Babas, Baba Khabir “the Storyteller” Shareef and Baba Amoah “the Musician” Artist, and Tony Artis share their wisdom, experience & fun with your pre-schoolers.

Drum Circles

FACILITATION

“… ONE OF THE GREAT NEEDS WE HAVE AS INDIVIDUALS IS TO BE HEARD, TO FIND AND CREATE SIMPLICITY AND MAKE CONNECTIONS OF THE HEART, MIND AND SOUL WITH OTHERS. THE DRUM FULFILLS ALL THESE NEEDS.”

Robert L. Friedman, Psychotherapist

A drumming circle is not a professional ensemble playing prepared music, or a drumming class. It is an “in the moment” musical event that everyone can participate in. It is a place for everyone to express themselves through rhythm. Community drumming has been around for thousands of years in almost every part of the world. It is invited and needed; it is fun & rejuvenating. No experience necessary!

A Drum Circle Facilitator provides the drums & instruments, helps to create a warm welcome environment and gives some guidance when needed.

The benefits of participating in a drum circle are enormous. You have to experience it for your 'self.'

Anything but Civil

What would a runaway slave and an Irish immigrant have in common? It’s the 1860s and the United States is no longer united. Anti-slavery sentiments have fanned the flames of separation and resistance; the country is at war with itself! Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine in their own country, find themselves forced into a war they know little about or understand. Many Blacks, held as captives and slaves in the South, are seeking and finding ways to freedom and a new life.

What do you think an Irishman would say to a runaway slave if he met one? What would a runaway think of an Irishman he finds standing in his path to freedom? Is that music I hear playing? Ssshhh, I hear someone coming!

Lets’ see what they have to say … or do to each other to answer that question.

Anna Murray Douglass Anna Murray-Douglass

First Wife of Frederick Douglass

An Unsung Heroine

In 1813, Anna Murray was the first to be born free in her family in eastern Maryland. She was living in Baltimore, Maryland when she first met Frederick A. Bailey at the East Mental Improvement Society, an organization of free blacks who promoted literacy.

By 1838, Anna had sold many of her belongings and sewed a sailor’s suit, as a disguise, to help Frederick escape to freedom. Soon afterwards, she and Frederick married, moved to New York & changed their name to Douglass. After Frederick Douglass became famous as an abolitionist & speaker, many saw Anna as a poor intellectual match for her husband.

Frederick, however, never abandoned his wife and mother of his four children. They were married for forty-four years until her death in 1882.

During their marriage, Anna was actively involved with the abolitionist movement, tended to her four children and kept an immaculate home often with no assistance from her husband who toured locally and in Europe.

Anna will tell you that she always saw the picture where her support assured he would be able to tirelessly work towards the eventual freedom of those of their people still held in bondage.

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