Become An Historic Reenactor

Having worked as a volunteer on Black history in North Carolina for fifteen years, I found the door of opportunities wide open. Of the more significant of those was the chance to portray 1800's historic figures such as, furniture designer Thomas Day and, poet & author George Moses Horton. Also, I produced a short film documenting an important Civil War moment in time(see post on Princeville, NC).

Reeactors portray US Colored Troops, clergy, farmers and other average folks going about their lives at the end of the Civil War. It's fun and educational, and there are national and local reenactment groups in many places for you to connect with. Usually, no experience is necessary.

Unfortunately, since the American education system has never allowed the struggles or accomplishments of Blacks to be taught in the public schools, we must teach ourselves. As poet Maya Angelou has penned so eloquently, "History, despite its wrenching pain, can- not be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again".

However, finding people to reenact has been difficult. Some people are

Black Family Reunions: An Opportunity to Exchange Stories and Ideas

The family reunion offers a great opportunity to exchange stories and connect the dots of Black history to your family tree. Some, however, may not be comfortable with topics such as slavery itself, the Jim Crow era, and others sensitive areas. You may be the only one in your family who cares about your ancestors' past, but don't let that stop you.

Our ancestors worked hard, fought for freedom, and even rebelled against their captors, but their stories are not taught in American schools. We should take it upon ourselves to tell our own story, rather than accept the story others choose to tell about us.

Your search may not be in this order. But, the following may help.