News Release
Photo by Arlan Fonseca. Courtesy National Park Service-National Parks of Boston
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Contact: Namita Raina, 617-821-8927
BOSTON – On Sunday, September 24, live performers presented “BLACK in the cradle of liberty” at the Great Hall in Faneuil Hall. This declaration explored agency, voice, and the power of place.
**Please note the use of capitalized and uncapitalized letters in the title of this performance.**
The audience experienced powerful music, dance, and spoken word performances from DJ WhySham, Nnenna Loveth, Rei, Crystal Valentine, Tim Hall, Ifé Franklin, Danny Rivera, Gavin Rushing, Porsha Olayiwola, Anastasia Wade, Cakeswagg, Javonna Corbin, and Kenard Williams.
For more than 250 years, Faneuil Hall has opened its doors to dialogue and debate centered on the founding questions of this country about liberty, what it means, and who is included and excluded. Using the "Cradle of Liberty" as a platform, performers sparked thoughtful, compelling conversations about the history of Faneuil Hall, as well as civil rights and inequities of the past and present.
Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola debuted her new three-part choreopoem with dancers Anastasia Wade, Javonna Corbin and Kenard Williams: “Lewis Hayden Speaks at Faneuil Hall, 1850;” Elizabeth Blakeley Speaks at Faneuil Hall, 1850;” and “Lewis Hayden/Elizabeth Blakeley at Faneuil Hall, 1850 or It’s 173 Years Later and We Still Speaking.”
"if you are asking me, just know I see it one or two ways i’m here for truth, i’m here to set things right it's either liberty or it's death,” read Olayiwola during part three.
The speaking program included introductions and a land acknowledgement from Cierra Peters, Communications Director at the Boston Ujima Project. samantha rose hale, Director of Grants & Programs at the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, delivered welcome remarks. Superintendent of the National Parks of Boston Michael Creasey discussed the power of place.
The program concluded with closing remarks and a call to action from Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO of the Museum of African American History.
Porsha Olayiwola curated the performance. It was produced by Cierra Peters and Porsha Olayiwola. DJ WhySham curated music and audio recordings throughout the program. Anastasia Wade choreographed the dance performances and Winelle Felix was the Stage Manager.
This program was made possible through a partnership among the National Parks of Boston, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, and the Museum of African American History, with generous funding from the National Park Service Civil Rights Interpretation & Education Fund.
"The National Parks of Boston was proud to host 'BLACK in the cradle of liberty' with our partners," said Michael Creasey, Superintendent of the National Parks of Boston. "The backdrop of Faneuil Hall to host such a compelling and unflinchingly honest performance made this a powerful experience."
"The Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket was honored to participate in this year’s Raising Voices Festival,” said Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO of the Museum of African American History. “’BLACK in the Cradle of Liberty’ offers an opportunity to link the historical conversations around liberty and justice to our present society."
“BLACK in the cradle of liberty” was part of the Raising Voices Festival: A Celebration of Music, Art, and the Power of Protest, hosted by Revolutionary Spaces from Saturday, September 23-Sunday, September 24.
Produced recordings of performance pieces will be integrated into the City’s “Slavery in Boston” exhibit to bring contemporary voices to issues and questions associated with liberty, agency, resistance, and voice.
A press kit with additional information and photos is available online.
About National Parks of Boston
The National Parks of Boston is a collection of three National Park Service sites – Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site, and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Established by individual legislation and for designated purposes, the three units have come together under a unified organizational umbrella to collaborate in ways that celebrate our cultural heritage, reconnect people to history and nature, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities on land and on the water. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/bost, www.nps.gov/boaf, and www.bostonharborislands.org.
About the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture
The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture is a City agency that enhances the quality of life, the economy, and the design of the City through the arts. The role of the arts in all aspects of life in Boston is reinforced through equitable access to arts and culture in every community, its public institutions, and public places. Key areas of work include support to the cultural sector through grants and programs, support of cultural facilities and artist workspace, as well as the commissioning, review, and care of art in public places. Learn more at www.boston.gov/arts.
About the Museum of African American History
Founded in 1967, the Museum of African American History (MAAH) is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving, and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. MAAH is home to four original African-American buildings built at the birth of the nation and are still standing. The Museum’s mission connects colonial and early African American history and culture in Boston, Nantucket, and the larger New England area with the abolition of slavery and current explorations of race and the struggle for human rights. Learn more at www.maah.org
Last updated: September 25, 2023