In the 1800’s Black men, both free and enslaved, comprised 22% of those who worked on the water, the primary way to move goods at that time. They traveled from northern to southern ports, throughout the Caribbean, to Europe, Australasia and Japan and returned to their communities with stories of life outside the slaveocracy of the U.S.

Sailors wrote the first six autobiographies of Black Americans. Active agents on the Underground Railroad, their freedom messages were so stirring that after the rebellion led by sailor, Denmark Vesey, South Carolina enacted the 1822 Quarantine Laws/Negro Seaman Acts, jailing these men when they came to port.

Phyrrus Concer, a Black Long Island Whaler at the opening of Japan 1845

The grave marker for Edmund Moody, a US Black sailor who died in Mangonui, North Island, New Zealand, 1864

Dalyce Newby – Black Sailor in the Civil War

My play Shallow Brown: Thessalonia and the Free Sailor tells of the love, family, suffering and ultimately triumph of these brave yet unsung freedom fighters and how they helped us free ourselves.

Please enjoy a bibliography about our Black sailor heroes I put together for you, for more information.

The address is 2 Lincoln Square (66th and Broadway). 1 train to 66th St. stop. See map.

Support the proceedings with a donation-based cash wine bar. Admission is always free.

Jalopy Theatre Presents at the American Folk Art Museum: Vienna Carroll & Keith Johnston.
Vienna Carroll sings and tells the stories of Black Roots Music — the spirituals, work songs, prison blues, and sea shanties of her ancestors. This music was integral to their survival and well-being and carries their history in it. Vienna also highlights improvised elements of this music in today’s 21st-century soundscape. As is traditional, audiences are invited to join in singing. Read more.

Saturday, October 27, 2018
4 pm to 6 pm
(come early for more fun, read to bottom)
Gowanus Dredgers’ Boathouse

125-153 2nd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Nearest subways:
G to Carroll St. (three avenues walk)
R to Union Street (two avenues & three blocks walk)
2,3,4,5,B,D,Q,R to Atlantic Terminal/Barclay’s Center (three avenues & 13 blocks walk)

Come early! This event is part of the Gowanus Oktoberfest
2 – 6pm
Free local food samples
Free canoeing
Kid-friendly
Quality beer and food available for purchase