In celebration of Black History Month, we are hosting a night dedicated to those who fought for freedom and highlighting the members of the 29th Regiment of United States Colored Troops, and well as individuals and sites acknowledged by the CT Freedom Trail.
The event would begin with a presentation from Christopher Barlow, Co-Founder of the Berlin Equity Action Team (B.E.A.T.). Christopher and the B.E.A.T. organization lead social justice and equity initiatives in their hometown of Berlin, CT to champion diversity, empathy, and awareness in their community. Christopher will provide the background and motivation for the making of the documentary “The 29th Connecticut”. (Approximately 15 – 30 minutes total)
The event would continue with a screening of “The 29th Connecticut”. This short documentary was commissioned by B.E.A.T. (Produced by Wide Awake Films) and tells the story of eleven African American soldiers who enlisted from Berlin, CT during the American Civil War. The 29th Regiment of United States Colored Troops, formed just after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, fought in critical battles near the end of the war, and helped to secure freedom from enslavement for all United States citizens. The documentary recently won for “Best Connecticut Film” at the 2023 Mystic Film Festival and has been accepted into several film festivals this season, including the Bridgeport Film Festival (Bridgeport, CT), the Art is Alive Film Festival (New York, NY), and the San Antonio Black Film Festival (San Antonio, TX) . (Approximately 15 minutes total).
Following the screening, there will be a presentation, “Connecticut, Color and the Civil War”, presented by John Mills of the Alex Breanne Corporation (https://alexbreanne.org/). John is an independent scholar who has dedicated his life to reclaiming and memorializing the lost narratives of enslaved individuals and Black soldiers, including his own ancestors. John’s presentation will delve into the lives and experiences of some of the men who enlisted in Connecticut's Colored Regiments during the Civil War, what drove them to enlist, and the perspective of Connecticut at the time. (Approximately 30 minutes total)
Our event will conclude with a presentation by Tammy Denease, Executive Director of Hidden Women Stage Company LLC., and Outreach Director for the Connecticut Freedom Trail. As an accomplished historian, artist, and storyteller, Tammy expertly portrays the extraordinary lives and accomplishments of individuals who have been overlooked by history. Tammy will highlight some of the individuals and sites acknowledge by the CT Freedom Trail, including the 29th Colored Regiment Monument in New Haven, CT. (Approximately 30 minutes total).
We would also encourage attendees to remain following the conclusion of the formally scheduled events to meet and converse with all participants.
