Explore Black history at the St. Louis County Parks traveling exhibit on slavery.
The Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis where the infamous trial of Dred Scott took place, image by Robert Linder
St. Louis County Parks and Recreation is hosting a compelling traveling exhibit on slavery this weekend.Â
On Saturday, groups delved deep into Black history at the North County Recreation Complex at 2577 Redman Avenue.
The name Dred Scott often elicits varied reactions from people.
“‘Isn’t that that guy who, uh…’ —and then they’ll say something crazy,” said Lynn Jackson. “‘Wasn’t he a lawyer? Oh, I thought I saw him a few weeks ago.”
For Jackson, Dred Scott is not just a historical figure but her great-great-grandfather.
All afternoon, Jackson stood by, ready to share her family’s story with anyone eager to learn more about this pivotal figure in American history.
Dred Scott, an enslaved African American man, along with his wife Harriet, famously sued for their freedom and that of their two daughters in the landmark Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court case of 1857, commonly known as the Dred Scott decision.
This legal battle had far-reaching consequences, influencing the political landscape of the time and ultimately contributing to the eruption of the Civil War.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision against the Scott family’s plea for freedom, Scott’s former master’s sons eventually purchased and emancipated him and his wife.
Tragically, Scott passed away just nine months later. His legacy intertwined with the struggle for freedom and equality in America.
“The 13th Amendment ended slavery. The 14th gave citizenship to all who were born in the United States, and the 15th gave the Black man the right to vote,” Jackson said, highlighting the enduring significance of her ancestor’s fight for justice.
At the Fight for Freedom event at the North County Recreation Complex, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Jackson and other knowledgeable individuals, as well as explore artifacts and exhibits that shed light on St. Louis’s history of slavery.
Jeffrey Edison, Museum Educator with St. Louis Parks and Recreation, said the event inspired him.
“What inspired me was just to get the public to actually know more about Black studies, Black history, and the legacy of fighting for freedom that most people don’t hear,” Edison said.
The event promises insightful discussions led by historians on a range of captivating topics, including profiles of courage such as Dred and Harriet Scott, the French Code Noir and enslavement, and the resistance efforts of figures like Archer Alexander and William Wells Brown.
On Sunday, February 18th, the exhibit will be open for viewing from noon to 5 p.m. Talks and discussions by historians will be at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
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