Are We Serious This Time? Shadows Fall Away: Racial Healing in New England

New England is proud of its legacy as the birthplace of liberty in North America. This is reflected in mantras such as New Hampshire’s state motto “Live Free or Die.” However, many New Englanders may be surprised to learn about the oft-forgotten history of slavery and segregation in our area. At this discussion series, Are We Serious This Time, we uncover the truth about our history. New England Blacks in Philanthropy (NEBiP) and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation are pleased to present a preview of the documentary Shadows Fall North. This documentary explores the untold history of early Black Americans in our region. In particular, we will spotlight the story of Harriet Wilson, who documented her childhood enslavement with a New Hampshire family in her book called Our Nig. To complement the film, we have assembled a panel of leaders from local Black Heritage trails – director for the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, JerriAnne Boggis, consultant and historic preservationist, Valerie Cunningham from New Hampshire, and L’Merche Frazier, Director of Education and Interpretation from Boston’s Museum of African American History. At the center of our discussion will be a look at how our heritage trails can be pathways to racial healing as we uncover the truth of our hidden past. Lisa Simmons, of The Color of Film Collaborative, Inc., will moderate the evening.