6-1-08

 

Shalom, Shalom,

 

Dr. Dahliyah Moore…The presentation and speeches were GREAT!!!!!  My boys were able to concretize a lot of the details they have been reading regarding American History and the Civil War era. They were not aware of the "Black Soldiers".  Keep me posted on future events.  I am still interested in the Forksyaroad museum.  We will follow up.  My husband enjoyed himself also.  Hope to see you soon.

 

Everlast Health & Wellness Center

5202 Keele Street

Jackson, MS  39206

 

---

 

6-2-08

Mr. Boxley,

Vivian Dismon…Allow me to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of this history of rather Our story making event. It was a very interesting and enlightening event.I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I knew so little about that era and the importance of the Mississippi River and surrounding areas. Thank you for the enlightenment and a part of telling the story that had meant so little to me. I had my 91 years old mother with me and she thoroughly enjoyed it and found it very informative. The only regrets that I have heard expressed were that more of our youth were not there to hear it. Again thank you for allowing one who has been away from here for more than fifty years to be a part of your local story.

---

6-2-08

 

Ser,

 

Jim Barnett…I am very excited about the educational quality of this event and I think that Historic Jefferson College provided the perfect setting.  We hope that we can host the Black and Blue reenactment next year.

 

Director
Division of Historic Properties
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
400 Jefferson Davis Boulevard
Natchez, MS   39120
Phone: 601-446-6502
Fax: 601-446-6503
jbarnett@mdah.state.ms.us

 

---

 

6-3-08

 

H. Clark Burkett …I thought it was a great event and I hope it continues to be held here at Historic Jefferson College and I was honored to be able to participate as a reenactor. I also wonder if we could something in October when the weather is cooler.

 

Historic Jefferson College
P. O. Box 700
Washington, MS 39190
(601) 442-2901

 

---

 

6-3-08

 

Renee Shakespeare….Thoughts on the Civil War Reenactment:

 

First of all I was quite impressed with the manner in which everyone pulled together and actually studied their parts.

 

Some things to note:

 

All participants must practice on getting into character.  This extends to addressing each character by the adopted name for the day.  Participants should not respond to any name for the day other than the name of their character.  All responses to any questions should be the responses that would have been given by the ancestor being portrayed. 

 

A different program flow for next year would be beneficial. A main stage could be used for "performances" which would be scheduled at certain times.  In between those times, the school, contraband camp, and various other places would be in "session" and audience member would be directed that they could visit those place at the pre-scheduled times.  

 

 For example there would be an initial session where all would gather for the greeting, and general information about the civil war and brief overview of the day's participants.  Then at the first break audience members would know according to their program that performances were taking place at that time in the schoolhouse and contraband camp.  After an hour, the program would direct audience members back to the main staging area for four or five performances by participants who do not have a particular place to position. 

After these performances, the audience would again be able to wander around the encampment visiting various tents.  In these tents would be other participants prepared to address the audience as their character and give mini performances and answer questions "in character"

 

A hospitality tent, large enough to seat at least 15=20 people and chairs would provide some relief from the heat for the elderly and others in need of a respite from the day's heat.  Here in the hospitality tent we should place literature about the civil war and the ancestors we are portraying. 

 

Next year will be bigger and items are sure to sell better, so a few trinkets related directly to the civil war might be helpful,

 

Renee and others told Ser that people in attendance read our information narratives on posters.

 

---

6-4-08

Greetings and Peace to All!

Constance Holt ….I apologize in advance for taking a few days to provide feedback. I spent Sunday recouperating from the energy output on Saturday and marinating in the memories of the wonderful day I had on Saturday.

    The people who played roles so impressed me with their research and their ability to get into their roles and make poignant and brief presentations that were completely in character. I thought every one of us did a wonderful job. In fact, it finally did occur to me that if no one else was present but the participants we accomplished our goal and should be so proud.

     But, in fact, i know of two people from Fayette unconnected to us who were there for at least a while. My husband brought "my mama" and she was there for my "second act." It felt the same as it felt when I was in elementary school and my mom showed up at my first little play or band concert.

        For me, this has been a historic week of African American achievement of which I am so proud of my contributions got to feel as if I did a good job of helping to re-enact Af Am history here and demonstrate some very important true aspects of our history.

     I also got to bond with some new friends and acquaintances in this place I now live, which is a vital, genuine part of the United States. God is good for he has led me to people who can help me live out my destiny and find my people and places where I can feel that I contribute to goals which are my top priority. I thank him for each and every one of you who are part of this wonderful group.

Fayette, MS 601-786-0254  P.S. if you took pictures, which I did not get to at the event, please make sure and get them to Ser, so that he can email them to all of us.

---

6-6-08

 

Mary Jane Gaudet….. I loved the retelling first person the stories at Jeff College.  I stayed for two and half hours, as I had family in for their first visit in a year and had to divide my time. (Being the parent of five children and two step children takes more time then even I can dream of.)  Wish I could have stayed for the entire production.  I would loved to have seen the rest.

 

I am sorry I did not do my homework and wasn't able to be a part of this first production. Since my sister has been sick I have almost dropped out of everything.  I could have done my homework now as my sister has not been with me for the last two weeks.  I have been free for the first time in nine months. I have even read my emails and gotten in a few bike rides to keep this body from totally falling apart.

 

Just wanted to tell you what a good job you did.  Perhaps a live production at the Little Theater for tourists could be a real opportunity to tell the story, rain or shine!!

 

Congratulations! Thank you for your work.

 

Mary Jane

 

---

6-6-08

Carolyn Smith….My involvement with the Forks of the Roads Society instills me with a deeper appreciation for human liberties, especially freedom. Researching the documented history of our enslaved people provides the deepest insight into their existence as slaves. Our portrayal of stories detailing their courage and determination exposes the participants and our audience to an in depth review of their family life, education, accomplishments, and their undeniable quest for freedom. These stories should be and must be told not only to enlighten and encourage, but to rectify the erroneous generational stigma that is attached to our enslaved ancestors. These reenactments also clarifies many modern day activities as their creation, and verifies that we (present generation) have succumbed to various forms of social slavery.

---

6-7-08

 

Afua Sarah Dave….our first Black and Blue Civil War encampment was truly a great experience for me, an African American woman who also participated as Ann Stokes who was the first black woman to receive a pension as a black nurse. Finally, we are honoring our great shereos and heroes who fought for their and our freedom that we celebrate today. It’s time to give credit where credit is due. Peace!

 

---

6-8-08

 

Ser,

 

Jamal McCullen…Thank you for allowing me to be involved with Black & Blue. It was a wonderfully enlightening event. Your work and dedication is greatly appreciated. Please be sure to include me in future endeavors. As a final thought, I think everything was well executed and informative. Those who attended on my behalf think likewise. I look forward to next year's event. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures to contribute because I forgot to put the batteries in the digital camera that I brought with me (even though my daughter gave me the batteries before I left the house). As you collect pictures, please let me know when, how, or if I can have access to some of them.

 

Thanks

 

---

6-1-08

Ser Seshs Ab Heter-CM Boxley’s recollection!

 

Comments to my person: 

 

Alvin Jackson…“Should erect a monument to USCT at Natchez National Cemetery since there is none.” A USCTD called and wanted in at the last minute. He even bought his USCT jacket overnight order.

 

“I would like to be involved in this next year”

 

Women Relief Corps….made public statement they have to do more research about their organization’s history.

Marie Jenkins member of Women Relief Corps…It was really very nice. Two younger members of the Corps were very excited being a part. Three new young women that attended are going join the Corps as they really enjoyed the event.

 

Al Gipson… I enjoyed every bit of it, didn’t know al of that happened right around here in Natchez”

 

Adair Jackson…Thought it was wonderful and joyful.

 

Thelma White….Wonderful, big step of getting to the public.

 

Two flag replica orders of the 5^th Heavy Colored Artillery Flag were made.

 

Alton Bonds…regular European descent re-enactor…I learned a lot, didn’t know there was so much history around here.

 

Great Acting!

 

Ser Boxley…My person was just so glad to see all the people and this first annual event so successful.

 

Josephine Webster….Great idea! Having had stories told to me by my grandparents, its’ great to have been a part of bringing the history alive.

 

My 83 year old aunt-in-law thoroughly enjoyed it and learned quite a bit more than she was aware of….Josephine Webster

 

Children enjoyed the African dancing. Children brought by Josephine Webster from Vidalia Louisiana

 

Buffalo Soldier female who read a poem about a female Buffalo Soldier was intriguing as well as the poem….children brought by Josephine Webster from Vidalia Louisiana

 

Students were impressed with Darrell White as Chaplain Hiram R. Revels. children brought by Josephine Webster from Vidalia Louisiana

 

Josephine Webster as Milla Granderson and her school children had practiced spelling and sentence development at Mrs. Webster tutoring center the day before our event.

 

Darrell White…Our crowd was the same size as the white civil war event that takes place at Jefferson College in the fall, however our crowd was different, more racially mixed.

 

Larry Davis…My former wife and my 16 year old daughter thought the event was impressive. It was the first time learning about black soldiers. At the Natchez National Cemetery, I felt (a chill) my Grandfather’s (6^th Heavy Colored Artilleryman George Washington aka McClain) spirit during the libation of calling out the names of ancestors

 

Hannibal Afrik….Glad to attend your re-enactment of the Civil War. Very impressive! Dr. Marshall and I have talked about how impressive it was and we are going to start working on getting more youth to attend next year!