Since the Colonial era, African Americans in Maine have fought for liberation, first by resisting enslavement and petitioning for emancipation then by joining national movements for abolitionism and civil rights. This course traces the roots of Maine’s racial justice movement from slavery to its formal abolition in 1865, covering the role of Black Mainers in electoral politics in the antebellum period and grassroots organizing in the abolitionist and National Colored Convention movements.

Andy O’Brien, Communications Director of the Maine AFL-CIO, presents the intriguing stories of influential Black Mainers including activist Reuben Ruby, author and intellectual Robert Benjamin Lewis, pioneering journalist John Brown Russwurm, crusading abolitionist organizer John W. Lewis, and the radical preacher, Reverend William C. Monroe. Class meets in person, Thursdays, September 19 and 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Camden Hills Regional High School. Course fee $10.

Register online here.

adulted@fivetowns.net
For more information contact: Five Town CSD Adult Ed, 25 Keelson Dr, Rockport, ME 04856
207-236-7803