FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: (DioBeth/Saint Barnabas) May 30, 2024
The Rev. Martha Harris
priest@saintpaulcolumbia.org
LEADERS AND LIBERATORS EVENT IN KUTZTOWN June 15, 2024 11:30 am
The Saint Barnabas Center, 234 E. Main Street, Kutztown
The Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem is pleased to announce a Juneteenth performance of Leaders and Liberators: a dramatic reading of an original script that features Harriet Tubman and two abolitionist allies from Columbia, PA, the Reverend Stephen Smith and William Whipper. These three influential leaders of the Underground Railroad will be portrayed at 11:30 am at the Saint Barnabas Center, 234 E. Main Street in Kutztown.
“Leaders & Liberators” tells the story of an imagined meeting on July 4, 1872 of Harriet Tubman, Stephen Smith and William Whipper, courageous conductors and agents who led hundreds to freedom through the network of the Underground Railroad, from the 1830s through the 1850s.
Portraying Harriet Tubman will be Raquel Richardson, William Whipper will be portrayed by the Reverend Eric Jackson and Stephen Smith will be portrayed by Nelson Polite, Jr, all experienced actors. The historically informed script is authored by Lancaster Historian Randolph Harris and his wife, the Reverend Martha Harris, a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania..
Following the performance, a moderated discussion with the actors will be held, and a reception featuring homemade barbeque will be offered to all who wish to enjoy fellowship.
All are invited to attend this free community event, which commemorates the national holiday known as Juneteenth on June 15, 2024. Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day following passage of the 13th Amendment which eradicated slavery. Long celebrated in the African American community, Juneteenth first became a national holiday on June 17, 2021.
Pre Registration for attendance is requested by utilizing the QR code on St. Barnabas website or the event promotion flyer, which is in circulation. Parking adjacent to the Center and on Main Street will be available, please follow the signage on E. Main Street. For more information, please contact: Sandy Milien, Canon for Racial Reconciliation and Community Engagement, 610-691-5655 ext. 227 or sandy@diobeth.org