On Saturday, June 26, Sotterley Plantation held the Black History Celebration “Free at Last!” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the third event in the 2010 Speaker Series. The free event drew a large, varied crowd for the 1830’s slave cabin restoration, two gospel choirs, and two performances by Sandi and Liana English.
Sotterley’s Education Director gave slave cabin presentations. The recently restored and newly open to the public cabin was packed with attendees who filled the cramped quarters to hear the plantation’s history.
Crowds also flocked to the barn where the St. Peter Claver Choir performed followed by the Southern Maryland Gospel Choir. The spirit of the room was instantly lifted by the voices of the two choirs as the audience raised their voices in song as well.
The climax of the event was Sandi English and her daughter Liana performing ‘Mammy Reminiscence’ and ‘Grandma Wisdom.’ Set up in the warehouse, the English’s many historic artifacts from the eras of segregation to slavery awed onlookers as Sandi and her daughter transported them to another time.
Sotterley Plantation’s Executive Director, Nancy Easterling praised the performances saying, “We are so blessed to have Sandi and her daughter Liana; they really bring the past to life.”
Attendees of the Black History Celebration were the first to see the English’s second performance: ‘Grandma Wisdom’ – a look at segregation and the times of Martin Luther King and look forward to an encore performance by Sandi and Liana at Sotterley Plantation.
For more information about Sotterley Plantation and upcoming events: (301) 373-2280; (800) 681-0850; or visit www.sotterley.org
