This week is
the anniversary of the auction that I wrote about in my book, The Weeping Time: Memory and the Largest
Slave Auction in American History. The auction took place March 2-3, 1859.
Many thanks to Kristopher Munroe for his thoughtful treatment of the book and this history.
A memorial
is scheduled for March 2 at 9am in Savannah, Georgia.Those attending are
asked to bring umbrellas to recall the rain that fell on those fateful days the
slaves called “The Weeping Time.” It is a sign of hope that a historical marker has been
established at the site of the auction and a regular memorial is being held to
honor those who were sold away.
I am happy
to be visiting on March 22 and giving the Mark Finlay Memorial Lecture at GSU’s
Armstrong Campus in the Fine Arts Auditorium at 6pm. The Gullah Geechee Ring
Shouters who reenact the auction and sing Negro spirituals created in the antebellum period will be joining me. Their music
has been a balm to audiences around the country. For those
who are able, you are welcome to join us.
Many thanks to so many who contributed to this book in some way; who hosted me in my
visits to the city and who provided behind the scenes help in the research and
production.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the descendants. It is your work of restoration that I honor in this
book and it is a work of restoration that I hope will inspire others to do the
same.
Anne C.
Bailey
IF
YOU GO
What: Wreath to be laid
When: 9 a.m. March 2
Where: Gather at Otis J. Brock III Elementary School
gymnasium, 804 Stratford St., and walk to The Weeping Time site at Augusta
Avenue and Dunn Street. Bring umbrella to recall the rains that fell March 2-3,
1859.
What: Mark Finlay Memorial Lecture by Anne C. Bailey
When: 6 p.m. March 22
Where: GSU’s Armstrong Campus, Fine Arts Auditorium,
11935 Abercorn St.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Courtesy of Georgia Historical Society
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