This Friday December 4th the story of the Underground Railroad in Canada will be brought to life through pictures, stories and song for over 600 local students.
The Emancipation Festival & The Roxy Theatre have joined forces to co-present a lively, 50-minute interactive performance for students to tell the stories of Canada's Underground Railway and of this area's first Black settlers.
Owen Sound was the last northern terminal on the Underground Railroad, making our city part of the largest, and highly-secretive, North American freedom movement, that transported escaped slaves fromSouthern US States to the Northern US and Canada.
Celebrated musicians Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley wrote The Story of the Underground Railway in Canada specifically for a student audience. Students will learn about the life of these 19th Century pioneers, about human rights, compassion and how Owen Sound figured into this significant period in history.
Diana has a special connection to Owen Sound through her Great Aunt Addie Alystock, who was the first Black female ordained minister in Canada; Addie also presided over Owen Sound's British Methodist Episcopal Church. Telling her great aunt's story while in Owen Sound is extra special for Diana.
Both Diana & Chris have received multiple awards, including a Gemini. Diana has been called a National Treasure & Chris is often a featured performer on CBC's Vinyl Café with Stuart McLean.
Braithwaite & Whiteley also have a great night of blues and gospel in store for the adults as well. They will be performing this Saturday night December 5th at The Roxy Theatre. Tickets are still available by calling the Roxy Box Office 519-372-2833 or visiting www.roxytheatre.ca
