Symposium: The Shared History of Germans and African Americans in Missouri

It is relatively unknown that German immigrants took an early stand against slavery in Missouri. As early as 1835, German newspapers in our State spoke out against slavery. In addition, Germans joined the Union in large numbers and helped the Colored Infantry to start Lincoln University. Members of the humanities community including historians, activists, and a playwright will discuss the complex relationship between Germans and African-Americans before and after the Civil War. The symposium will
also include musical performances and an excerpt from the play An Amazing Story: German Abolitionists of Missouri.

Our distinguished panel includes:

Dr. Gary R. Kremer, Executive Director, State Historical Society of Missouri

Kremer has written, co-authored, and co-edited eight books, including the recently released Women in Missouri History: In Search of Power and Influence, A Dictionary of Missouri Biography (1999), A History of Missouri, 1875-1919 (1997), and Missouri's Black Heritage (1993).

Dr. John A. Wright, Fulbright Scholar, Historian and Educator

Author of thirteen books including Kinloch: Missouri’s First Black Town, The Ville, St. Louis, Missouri (Black America Series) Dr. Wright has a distinguished career serving as an academic leader within public schools in St. Louis and as a board member of the St. Louis World Trade Center and the St. Louis, Missouri--Senegal Sister Cities Committee.

Dr. Sydney Norton, Associate Professor, Saint Louis University’s Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Dr. Norton is the author of the publication German Immigrant Abolitionists: Fighting for a Fr ee Missouri and curator for the exhibit by the same name.

Cecilia A. Nadal, Sociologist, Playwright and Consultant

Cecilia is the founder of Gitana Productions, a 22-year arts organization bringing diverse communities together through cross-cultural engagement. She is also President of Cross-Cultural Strategies Inc., a consulting and training firm and the playwright of An Amazing Story: German Abolitionists of Missouri.

Symposium attendees are invited to take a special tour of Deutschheim State Historic Site, available from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Visit the home of the Hermanner Wochenblatt, the German language anti-slavery newspaper from 1845. On exhibit at the Deutschheim Visitor Center, 101 W. Second Street, will be one of only three originals of the signed 1865 Ordinance Abolishing Slavery in Missouri. For lunch enjoy an authentic German meal at several restaurants near the Festhalle. Enjoy a full day of learning, engagement, and fun.

The Missouri Humanities Council and Cross-Cultural Strategies will present this free public forum, in collaboration with Visit Hermann, the Showboat Community Theater, and the Deutschheim State Historic Site. Register for this free event below or call the Hermann Welcome Center at 800-932-8687.