Information Panel: I Just Had To Speak Out

Information Panel: I Just Had To Speak Out

Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Hearing praise for "faithful slaves" during the dedication of the Heyward Shepherd memorial (to your left), Pearl Tatten interrupted the ceremony. "I am the daughter of a [Union soldier]... who fought for the freedom of my people, for which John Brown struck the first blow."

Tatten challenged the faithful slave stereotype. "We are pushing forward to a larger freedom..." The audience was shocked. "Confederate Daughters gape as she lauds John Brown," reported the Baltimore Afro-American. 

1931 Dedication of the Heyward Shepard Memorial

Included the monument's sponsers: the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. 

Pearl Tatten

Storer College music director.

Heyward Shepard

B&O railroad porter.