“Not Your Momma’s History” is the theme for the 8th Annual Legacy Dinner sponsored by the Friends of Booker T. Washington National Monument, Hardy, VA. It is an annual commemoration of the birthday of Dr. Washington, born April 5, 1856. Mark your calendars and come join in from 6–9 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Highway 122 (40 Lakemount Drive), Moneta, VA.
The theme was taken from the website of this year’s exciting guest speaker, Cheyney McKnight, a young African-American woman who has been making a career as a living historian and performance artist. She grew up in Atlanta and became facinated with the stories her parents told her in early childhood about the Civil Rights movement. After much study about Black History, she learned that she could spend time reliving what she had been studying and re-enactment became her goal. McKnight has used her professional experience in public history to connect participants to the past in a series of performance art pieces called “SlaveryMadePlain.”
The pieces focus on how slavery continues to shape the politics of our nation in ways not fully appreciated by the populace of America. Her website biography, states that for over the past 10 years she has been a historian who “embodies Black lives, rather than just Black trauma, in her interpretation of slavery,” McKnight states. “I want to change the way people see the story of slavery so that when people think of slavery and women, they think of me, not Aunt Jemima or Mammy,” she states.
She has interpreted 18th century and early and middle 19th century slavery in 26 states and worked with more than 45 historic sites. Learn more about her amazing interpretive work from her videos on YouTube and her website at www.notyourmommashistory. Kyana Waters of Silver Springs, MD will provide music for the event. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes.
The Friends welcome and extend an invitation to everyone to become a member of the Friends or Booker T. Washington National Monument. A membership table will be available to join.
For more information or tickets at $30 per person ($25 for members) contact Lisa Lietz or call 301-704-2308. Donations support the FBTWNM operations and scholarships.
