PRESS
RELEASE ARCHIVES:
The following
collection of news-worthy information is assembled to chronicle the
progress and events associated with the Foundation and all who have
participated in the "healing" of our social dynamic. We
invite you to read and pass forward the information of these momentous
milestones.
DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
EVENT: “HARRIET” – AN ORIGINAL PLAY
One of the nicest things about commemorating the 150th anniversary was meeting so many people who had their own heart for the Scotts who we did not know before. Ms. Dolores Kane, founder of the ETC. Senior Theatre; wrote and directed an original play on the heart of Harriet Scott as her contribution to the anniversary. It was a delightful play based on Harriet Scott having a conversation with one of her great-great grandchildren discussing what her life was like and hearing from the key characters in the story of her life. She shared the first and most true reason for enduing their hardships for freedom, to have and keep their family together.
This courageous cause and subsequent actions borne out of the right cause, in time worked to the betterment of all people. The play was inspired by the revelation of Harriet’s grave confirmed to be in Greenwood Cemetery in February 2006. Ms. Kane felt their was a story there to be told and did her homework, producing a very educational and excellent presentation.
The location of the performance was noteworthy as well. “Harriet” was performed at the same church Harriet Scott attended during the era of their trials in St. Louis. The Central Baptist Church at 2842 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO is the descendant congregation of the 2nd African Church of the 1800s. Rev. John Anderson was their pastor and the current pastor is Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott.
The Etc. Senior Theatre in St. Louis. MO is for individuals 55 and older who always wanted to act but probably never did. The talent was superb. Mrs. Harriet Robinson Scott was played by Jobyna Foster. Her great-great granddaughter, Lynne Madison Jackson was portrayed by actress Andrea Purnell (a younger guest cast member). We look forward to encore performances of “Harriet”!
DATE: OCTOBER 17-19, 2008
EVENT: LINCOLN DOUGLASS DEBATES, REUNION TOUR COMES TO ALTON, ILLINOIS
We’re uncertain of the weather in 1858, but the weather was exceptional for the weekend of the last debate re-enactment on the last leg of a tour that started in Springfield, Illinois in April 2008. Abraham Lincoln portrayed by George Buss. Steven Douglas was portrayed by Tim Connors gave memorable and personable performances in Alton Square as they “campaigned” for the Illinois Senate seat. The tour was sponsored by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Lincoln Douglas Society. The script was excellently written by Ed Finch who moderated the debate and also portrayed officer Silas Terry. See amateur video clips taken by L. Jackson. The event was attended by Steve Edison, Linda Van Reed and Lynne Jackson.
DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
EVENT: LEE and GRANT EXHIBIT
Lee and Grant Exhibit displayed at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park between May 18- September 14, 2008. The Missouri History Museum showcased an excellent exhibit on General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant. The display was full of original memorabilia, photos and original items took us back in time. The history was scripted throughout the exhibit by interactive Q&A videos, reading boards and “uniforms, artifacts, artwork, weapons and handwritten documents that reveal each man as he understood himself and his place in history.”
DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2008
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION HISTORIC INAUGURAL GALA DINNER and FUNDRAISER HONORING DRED SCOTT
St. Louis, MO ... The Old Court House in St. Louis Missouri was the epicenter of the historic Dred Scott Case, the effects of which rippled their way to the Supreme Court of the United States resulting in the infamous decision that became a major catalyst for the Civil War and a directional change for our nation. That change paved the way for generations of Americans to advocate for civil rights.
As the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Case comes to a close, the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation is hosting an inaugural Gala Fundraiser, co-sponsored by Bryan Cave LLP, Saturday, March 15th at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ball Park, Broadway and Market Street beginning at 5:30 PM. All tickets for the event are $75.00.
The Gala is the beginning of a life-long continued celebration of the changes that resulted for the sacrifices and determination of Dred and Haririet Scott. In the spirit of the foundation's motto, "Let the Healing Begin," and to further mark Dred and Harriet Scott's place in history, the Foundation is raising funds for a statue it hopes will find a prominent place near the Old Court House. The Scotts left an undeniable mark on history, yet few physical memories exsist in their honor.
Their hope is that Dred and Harriet's story, and the statue, will not only make a mark on the landscape, but also on peoples' hearts. "The quiet strength and resolve they exhibited to free their family, ultimately freed a people," said Lynne M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott, who is Chair of the foundation and leader of the year-long anniversary commemoration of the Dred Scott case.
"It's been a tremendous year, beyond our expectations, to tell the story of Dred and Harriet Scott," said Jackson.
The Gala is a fitting end to a new beginning. In the spirit of the foundation's motto, Dr. John M. Perkins, author and well-known leader of racial reconciliation, will be the special guest speaker. Dr. Perkins almost lost his life years ago because of a racial division but chose to focus his life on reconciliation rather than hate.
The Gala will prove to be an evening full of surprises. In addition to Dr. Perkins, the foundation anticipates remarks by Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Laura Denver Stith, a special performance by Emmy Award winning storyteller, Bobby Norfolk, as the spirit of Dred Scott, musical entertainment, newly discovered genealogical information about the Dred Scott family to be shared, publicly, for the first time, and original musical from "The Dream," a musical about the Scott's ordeal, forgotten and now shared anew.
Honorary Co-Chairs for the 150th Anniversary were The Honorable John C. Danforth, a partner at Bryan Cave LLP, Mr. Dick Bott, Sr. of Bott Radio Network, and Dr. Perkins of The Perkins Foundation.
Anniversary and Dinner Co-Chairs are Lynne M. Jackson, General Services Manager at Bryan Cave LLP, and Gerald Brooks, Marketing Director for the St. Louis Public Library.
Tickets for the gala event are $75.00. Reservations for individuals and tables of 10 are being taken. Send check or money order with names and a phone number by March 10th to: The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, Dinner Gala, 211 North Broadway, Suite 3600, St. Louis, MO 63102.
Black tie is optional.
For additional information regarding the Foundation or the Gala please contact Lynn Jackson @ 314-259-2307.
DATE: AUGUST,
24, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION DRED SCOTT DAY AT
ST. LOUIS BASEBALL CARDINAL'S BALLPARK — BUSCH STADIUM
After an hour
and a half rain delay, the decision came to Play Ball!!! The
announcer read the following as a descendant of Dred Scott threw
out the first pitch helping the Cardinals commemorate the city’s
historic anniversary.
“On March
6, 2007 St. Louis commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the Dred
Scott Decision. Dred and Harriett Scott walked up the steps of
the old courthouse and filed petitions for their freedom. Eleven
years and five trials later they were denied their freedom by the
U.S. Supreme Court. Freed by their previous owner’s son,
Taylor Blow, six weeks later, their case has been remembered as
a major catalyst for the civil war. Subsequently, Abraham
Lincoln declared the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all the
slaves.
Today the Cardinals
in recognition of the 150th Anniversary have declared Dred Scott
Day at the ballpark. With us this evening to throw out the first
pitch, is the great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott,
Lynne Madison Jackson, Founder of The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.
Born and raised in St. Louis, she is the General Services Manager
for the Bryan Cave Law Firm, located at 211 N. Broadway and with
her husband Brian, is an avid Cardinal fan. Catching tonight is
veteran Cardinal Ted Savage.
With her are
Gerald Brooks, a Foundation Board Member and Marketing Director
at the St. Louis Public Library; Rueben Shelton, Polemarch St.
Louis Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Nathan Young,
Scholarship Chair of Kappa Alpha Psi and Alexis Thomas, one of
five winners of the Kappa sponsored Dred Scott Essay contest held
in the St. Louis Public Schools. The five winners received laptops
donated by the St. Louis Cardinals. Congratulations to all
winners!! Now let’s play ball.
Many
thanks go the Cardinals and the Kappas mentioned above and especially
to Dr. Rodney Wead for this special occasion recognizing the
courage and legacy of Dred and Harriet Scott.
DATE: JULY
29, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION MUSIC IN THE VILLE
The
Sounds of Music were extraordinarily beautiful in the historic
Ville Neighborhood’s Antioch Baptist Church where a reunion
celebration was held. The Church and Neighborhood where the
Dred Scott fourth generation descendants grew up and worshipped
commemorated the anniversary in a moving way, and in a gifted way.
Music
kept the slaves going when times were hard. The attendees
of the reunion grew up on Negro spirituals and classical music. “What
better way to celebrate the “homestead” than
to sing of the history and showcase the talent that made previous
memories of our youth and the last few decades not only memorable
but historical”, said Lynne M. Jackson, descendant of Dred
and Harriet Scott. “I remember the excellence that was required
in all our musical endeavors. It was so rewarding. Besides,
we may never get a chance to sing or play together like this again.” This
was the best way she knew to involve the most relevant areas of
the Ville. Jackson announced the passing of her father, Dr. John
A. Madison, Jr. this week to a gasping audience and said, ”He
would want us to be here today.”
The
reunion included past members of the Antioch Cherub and Angelus
Choir, Sumner High School A’ Cappella Choir, The Legend Singers,
and the Alleda Ward Wells Piano Studio. All four entities
existed in a two block area and produced some of the most excellent
musicians to come from St. Louis.
Carlotta
Algee- Stancil, lifelong member of Antioch, did an excellent job
of coordinating the event with several church musicians, including
James “Sonny” Ward, the current Minister of Music at
the church.
Harry
Moppins introduced the Mistress of Ceremonies, Lillian Foster Curlett. Past
youth choir director, Minerva Bennett Williams and her daughter
Laurene Bennett Mackel came from New York to participate. Laurene
and her daughter did a moving praise dance rendition that set the
tone for worship. Lynne Jackson addressed the audience on behalf
of The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. James Webb, Malachi
Owens, and Carole Kimble took turns directing the chorus. Soloist
Rowena Jones performed and Cheryl Walker Accompanied on an Antioch
classic, There Is A Balm in Gilead.
Kenneth
Brown Billups, past Director of the Antioch Baptist Church Chancel
Choir, Founder of the famous and most excellent Legend Singers
and Alleda Ward Wells, piano teacher extraordinaire and most beloved
by ALL her students, famous for her Eight Piano Festivals (16 pianists)
have both passed on. They were fondly remembered for their lifelong
achievements without whom most of the reunion participants would
not be there that day. Chuck Berry was a member of the Cherub and
Angelus singers and was also recognized, though unable to attend.
Having
more fun than they should, most of the blended chorus thought they
had sung their swansong, Everytime I Feel the Spirit, at
the direction of Ms. Kimble. But alas, there was one song
yet to sing. In fact, a song, most of them had never heard of before. The
director somehow knew this. But being the superior musicians they
were, and without the singers having any sheet music, the director
had the pianist play the melody once while, with his back turned
to the audience, mouthed the words. Each musician watched
attentively. On the down beat, everyone sang by ear, as it
were. The audience didn’t have a clue. What an amazing
ending to an all too brief encounter of old friends, great musicians,
devoted worshipers and then 150th Dred Scott Anniversary tribute,
Music in the Ville.
The
Ville, an area just north of downtown St. Louis, was one of the
few areas where Blacks could own property. Consequently, during
the 1920’s and 30’s, The Ville became synonymous
with Black prosperity. Well know natives and Sumnerites include
Tina Turner, Arthur Ashe, Robert Guillaume, Robert McFerrin,
Grace Bumbry and Dick Gregory
DATE: JULY
26, 2007
EVENT: JOHN A. MADISON, GREAT GRANDSON OF DRED SCOTT
PASSES
John A. Madison
Jr., a longtime teacher in St. Louis and great-grandson of Dred
and Harriet Scott, died of heart failure Thursday (July 26, 2007)
at Garden View Care Center of Chesterfield. He first became ill
on June 11 and passed peacefully in his sleep. He was 82.
“My father
leaves me with a sense of how important it is that we reconcile,” said
his daughter Lynne M. Jackson of Florissant, who continues the
family legacy with the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.
Jackson said
her father often lead family blessings with a scripture from Psalm
133: “How blessed it is for brethren to dwell together in
unity.”
Madison grew
up in the Ville neighborhood and was active in Antioch Baptist
Church. He was senior class president at Sumner High School. He
then graduated from the old Stowe Teachers College. He worked as
a mail handler for the Postal Service while he earned his law degree
from Lincoln University Law School in St. Louis. After graduating,
he taught for 35 years in several elementary schools in the St.
Louis Public Schools. He retired in 1990.
A longtime resident
of the Chesterfield area, he taught Sunday school and was church
historian at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield.
Madison spent
many years researching the lives and landmark legal struggle of
his great-grandparents as they fought for their freedom from slavery
in the years before the Civil War. The Scotts initially petitioned
for their freedom in 1846 at the Old Courthouse here and briefly
won in a jury trial on Jan. 12, 1850.
The couple later
lost appeals in the Missouri Supreme Court and federal courts.
On March 6, the
150th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision denying the
Scotts their freedom, Madison attended a memorial service for his
great-grandmother at Greenwood Cemetery in Hillsdale where she
was buried. Another service was held in Calvary Cemetery in St.
Louis, where Dred Scott is buried.
In 1957, Madison
portrayed Dred Scott in a performance at the Old Courthouse marking
the 100th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision. Photos of
the performance were published that year in Ebony magazine.
She also said
her parents were instrumental in helping her establish the Dred
Scott Heritage Foundation. The foundation is raising money to erect
a statue of Dred Scott near the courthouse.
On May 26 of
this year - exactly 150 years after the Scotts got their freedom
- Mr. Madison unveiled an honorary street sign on the east side
of the Old Courthouse on Fourth Street. It renamed the block "Dred
Scott Way."
Madison was a
passionate lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi. The Kappas will
honor his memory at their August 18 black tie dinner with fundraiser
for the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.
“My father
would help anybody. Grown men called him ‘Dad.’ He
was good with children. He was such an intelligent mind,” Jackson
said.
Funeral services
will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield,
17155 Wild Horse Creek Road.
In addition to
his daughter, among survivors are his wife, Marcy, of the Chesterfield
area; another daughter, Marcy Hart of Chesterfield; a son, Michael
Madison of Kansas City; a sister, Alma Miller of Chicago; nine
grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. A son, John A. Madison
III, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions
may be made to the:
The
Dred Scott Heritage Foundation
211 N. Broadway,
Suite 3600
St. Louis, MO 63102
DATE: JULY
25-28
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
CONFERENCE
A
national honor was bestowed on Dred and Harriet Scott at the 2007
National Convention of the Urban League in St. Louis. The
convention was kicked off at the Old Court House with a press conference
recognizing the contribution to civil rights by the Scotts and
the presentation of the Proclamation declaring July 25, 2007 — DREDSCOTT
DAY IN ALL IT'S URBAN LEAGUE COMMUNITIES — Praise
to the Scotts!
A scorching St. Louis sun greeted Morial, Jim Buford, Urban League
of Metropolitan St. Louis president, and other dignitaries on Wednesday
afternoon when they and other dignitaries honored Dred and Harriett
Scott on the steps of the Old Courthouse.
Lynne Jackson, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Dred Scott
spoke on behalf of her ill father and late, historic relatives.
“This recognition by the Urban League goes first and foremost
to my father. He carried the torch for Dred and Harriet Scott for
50 years,” she said.
“They came up the steps on the (east) side of this building
seeking justice. Today, this courthouse helps us to focus on what
we want to do in the future.”
Jackson said she is working to establish a Dred Scott educational
center and said, “the commemoration of Dred and Harriet Scott
will not end with the close of this 150th anniversary year of the
famous case.”
Morial said, “We come not to honor the case. We come not to
honor this courthouse. We come to honor the courage - the courage
of two people to file a federal lawsuit asking the nation to respect
the words of its constitution.”
Morial called the Dred Scott case and Old Courthouse ‘a lighthouse
in the battle for justice.”
Contributions
Courtesy of St. Louis American Newspaper
DATE: JULY
3, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION NATURALIZATION CEREMONY
IN THE ST. LOUIS OLD COURTHOUSE
On
July 3, 2007, 65 people became citizens of the United States of
America in the rotunda turned courtroom at the Old Courthouse in
St. Louis, site of the original trials in the Dred Scott Case.
Presiding was The Honorable Henry E. Autrey, United States District
Judge, Eastern District of Missouri. The guest speaker was Lynne
M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott,
founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation and General Services
Manager at Bryan Cave LLP.
Stephen
S. Davis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, introduced each candidate for
citizenship and made the motion. Judge Autrey ruled on the motion
and Jeanne Pattrin, Deputy Clerk, administered the oath and led
in the pledge of allegiance.
Soloist
Mary Collins, R.N. from TFE Federal Employee Heath Unit sang God
Bless America and the National Anthem. Boy Scouts of America Troop
685, St. Gerard Majella performed the duties of Color Guard.
Ms.
Jackson commended the new citizens for their commitment to become
legitimate citizens and going through the process. She invited
them to partake in the system and be a part of that which makes
America good.
There
were many happy and excited people that day as approximately 200
people gather to witness the oath and presentation of citizenship
bestowed by Judge Autrey. Individuals from 36 countries participated
in this ceremony held on the eve of Independence Day and during
the year of the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. The
new citizens did not know Ms. Jackson would be their speaker and
many expressed that they found this to be an added delight to their
already exciting day.
DATE: JULY
3, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION NATURALIZATION CEREMONY
IN THE ST. LOUIS OLD COURTHOUSE
On
July 3, 2007, 65 people became citizens of the United States of
America in the rotunda turned courtroom at the Old Courthouse in
St. Louis, site of the original trials in the Dred Scott Case.
Presiding was The Honorable Henry E. Autrey, United States District
Judge, Eastern District of Missouri. The guest speaker was Lynne
M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott,
founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation and General Services
Manager at Bryan Cave LLP.
Stephen
S. Davis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, introduced each candidate for
citizenship and made the motion. Judge Autrey ruled on the motion
and Jeanne Pattrin, Deputy Clerk, administered the oath and led
in the pledge of allegiance.
Soloist
Mary Collins, R.N. from TFE Federal Employee Heath Unit sang God
Bless America and the National Anthem. Boy Scouts of America Troop
685, St. Gerard Majella performed the duties of Color Guard.
Ms.
Jackson commended the new citizens for their commitment to become
legitimate citizens and going through the process. She invited
them to partake in the system and be a part of that which makes
America good.
There
were many happy and excited people that day as approximately 200
people gather to witness the oath and presentation of citizenship
bestowed by Judge Autrey. Individuals from 36 countries participated
in this ceremony held on the eve of Independence Day and during
the year of the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. The
new citizens did not know Ms. Jackson would be their speaker and
many expressed that they found this to be an added delight to their
already exciting day.
DATE: JUNE
12, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION SOUTHERN BAPTISTS
RENOUNCE DRED SCOTT DECISION
The
hope of all good men and women is for peace on earth and good will
towards men, meaning all mankind. This desire was expressed in
part by an historic resolution offered to commemorate the Dred
Scott Anniversary and to re-emphasize the commitment to that peace
previously put forth in 1995.
On
June 12, over 5,000 delegates at the 2007 Southern Baptist Convention
(SBC) unanimously passed a resolution denouncing the U. S. Supreme
Court Dred Scott Decision of March 6, 1857 by the U. S. Supreme
Court.
Pastor
Jim Goforth of the New Life Baptist Church in Florissant drafted
and presented a resolution that was accepted as one of eight from
thirty three submitted to reach the convention floor. Pastor Goforth
is also a member of the Friends of the 150th Anniversary, the civic
and corporate planning committee that has supported the anniversary
activities and has evolved since late 2005.
With
the latest in technology, Jim was able to leave a text message
for Lynne Jackson, Foundation president and Scott descendant, to
alert her to the impending vote on the floor. She was then able
to go online with the quick aid of her devoted husband, Brian,
and watch via video the live proceedings for the presentation and
vote on the resolution. It all happened within minutes. With
no dissents and obvious clarity of understanding, it only took
moments for this resolution to pass. The Dred Scott family and
Friends are most grateful for this act of humility and repentance
on behalf of the national organization of Southern Baptists and
for the beautiful way of recognizing the 150th Anniversary. Jim
and many others are part of the Reconciliation Initiative the foundation
is starting. Many thanks to Jim for his vision and action as well
as to the president and delegates of the SBC to bring this to pass.
Read the text of the resolution as follows:
Resolution
No. 3
ON THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRED SCOTT DECISION
WHEREAS,
March 6, 2007, marked the 150th anniversary of the infamous Dred
Scott Decision by the United States Supreme Court; and
WHEREAS,
The majority opinion of the Court concluded that people of African
ancestry and their descendants “had no rights which the white
man was bound to respect” and ruled that an entire race of
people did not have personhood nor right of citizenship; and
WHEREAS,
We affirm the Declaration of Independence which says, “we hold
these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal and
are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights”;
and
WHEREAS,
This deplorable decision required action by all three branches of
government to eventually overturn: Emancipation Proclamation (1863);
Brown v. Board of Education (1954); and Civil Rights Act of 1964;
and
WHEREAS,
We are complicit with this erroneous Supreme Court decision when
we fail to love, minister to, and share the Gospel with people because
of their ethnicity, ability, or station in life; and
WHEREAS, We are all born
as slaves to sin and have no rights to the throne of God except through
Jesus Christ; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in
San Antonio, Texas, June 12-13, 2007, wholly lament and repudiate
the Dred Scott Decision and fully embrace the Lord’s command
to love our neighbors as ourselves; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That we reaffirm the historic action in 1995 of the Southern Baptist
Convention to “unwaveringly denounce racism, in all its forms,
as deplorable sin,” and to view “every human life as
sacred…of equal and immeasurable worth, made in God’s
image, regardless of race or ethnicity”; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That we fully concur that “racism profoundly distorts our understanding
of Christian morality”; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That we commend our churches who intentionally reach out to all persons
regardless of ethnicity, and we encourage all other Southern Baptist
churches to emulate their example, as the Body of Christ is commanded
and called to do; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we pray
for and eagerly await the day that the scourge and blight of racism
is totally eradicated from the Body of Christ so that the world may
see the love of Christ incarnated in and through us.
DATE: JUNE
29, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION HOST BOEING ATTORNEYS
Boeing
attorneys ventured out for a day of history and a visit to Dred
places on the morning of June 29, 2007. The morning treated them
to a lecture at the Old Court House by Dr. David Konig, Professor
of History and Professor of Law at Washington University. Dr. Konig
coordinated and hosted the Dred Scott Symposium at the University
March 1-3, 2007 for the 150th anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision.
They toured the new exhibit and had lunch at the Bryan Cave Law
Firm. There they were hosted by attorney John “Jack” Walbran.
During lunch, Lynne Jackson, General Services manager at Bryan
Cave, spoke with them and shared some legal but mostly person insights
about the case and her famous ancestors. It was an atypical day
for 20 attorneys, one they seemed to enjoy and appreciate.
DATE: MAY
27, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER
RECOGNIZES 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Rain
was a threatening factor, but 3,000 came to Busch Stadium to join
hundreds of millions around the globe in the 3rd annual Global
Day of Prayer. In St. Louis, Elijah P. Lovejoy
and Dred Scott were recognized for their roles in resisting
slavery and fighting for the rights of the beleaguered slaves.
Prayers were offered to deal with past and present racism and for
repentance, forgiveness and healing for these acts.
One
this occasion, an excerpt from a eulogy for Dred Scott originally
delivered by a leading civil rights leader of his day, John
Milton Turner was read by his great-great granddaughter,
Lynne Jackson. Milton wrote this eulogy of Dred Scott for the installation
of the newly commissioned oil painting of Dred at the Missouri
Historical Society in 1882. The text describes the character and
faith of this now famous slave. In light of the way he handled
the 11 years of 5 trials, we are not surprised to find that he
was known to be a man of character, well acquainted with men whose
characters also were unquestionable, trusting in God for the resolution
of all things, whereby they were indeed forthwith vindicated.
Dred’s
wife, Harriet, has always been known to have been a member of the
First African Church in St. Louis pastored by the Rev. John Anderson.
This was in the church membership records. Some have questioned
whether or not Dred was also active in the faith. The text
of the eulogy makes it clear that Dred was indeed a man whose faith
in God was known and obvious to those around him and that his commitment
was steadfast in heart and in deed.
The
documentation was provided by the Rev. Robert Tabscott, historian,
researcher and founder of The Elijah P. Lovejoy Society.
DATE: MAY
26, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION STREET RENAMED FOR
FAMOUS ENSLAVED PERSON OF AFRICAN DESCENT — DRED
SCOTT
150
years after the U. S. Supreme Court denied Dred and Harriet Scott
their freedom and yet they received it from their benevolent friend
and supporter, Taylor Blow, an amazing thing happened to them.
On the 150th Anniversary of their FREEDOM, the street on which
the Old Court House stands, where they entered to file their original
suit, was renamed DRED SCOTT
WAY. They could never have imagined. With
the help of the City Aldermen Phyllis Young, April Ford-Griffin,
Freemon Bosley Sr. and the unanimous support of the full Board,
the Board of Aldermen in the City of St. Louis passed a resolution
giving honorary naming status which renamed a portion of 4th street.
Between Pine and Chestnut, that block on the east side of the Old
Court House 4th street was renamed for the man who went the distance
in a case brought ultimate change in this nation for the status
of African American slaves and all citizens of the United States.
Mayor
Frances Slay and Aldermanic President Lewis Reed were in full support
of this effort, expressing the rightness of such a action. Mayor
Slay with Board member Freemon Bosley, Sr., Street Committee Chairman,
both spoke passionately at the ceremony about the need for this
and how it was past time for such an honor for Dred Scott. Alderman
Terry Kennedy presented at the aldermanic hearing an eloquent statement
of support and also attended the ceremony which was held on the
sidewalk on the east of the courthouse steps.
Other
program speakers included Bob Moore, Historian for the Old Court
House, who gave a perspective on the background of the case, Attorney
Dave Uhler who spoke about the issues of inclusion, and Lynne Jackson
who told the rest of the story, detailing what happened between
March 56, 1857 and May 26, 1857. Aided by copies of hand written
letters between the principals involved, Lynne thanked Mr. Thomas
Farnam of the Farnam Law Firm for having shared these details with
her and providing this background. Attorney Farnam is a board member
of the Eugene Field House, where Eugene and his father Roswell
lived, just blocks away. Roswell Field was Dred’s attorney
who provided the venue to take the case to the federal level. This
historic link was never stronger. As the anniversary year unveils,
many wonderful surprises and relationships have come from it.
Donn
Johnson of the Missouri Historical Society provided a 20” X
30” poster of the actual freedom bond, a copy of which was
given to all attendees. Also a copy of the initial letter that
started the freedom process sent from Roswell Field to Montgomery
Blair on December 24, 1856 was provided by Mr. Farnam as
copied from the U.S. Library of Congress was given to attendees.
This
effort was initiated by The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation and
especially due to the legwork and dedication of attorney Dave Uhler.
Dave is a “Dred Scott devotee” as Foundation president,
Lynne Jackson calls him. “Without Dave, we would not have
made the deadline and our goal was to present this to Dred and
Harriet, my father John A Madison, II and the City of St. Louis
150 years to the day our ancestors received their freedom, May
26, 1857. We made it. Gerald Brooks, Co-Chair of the Friends
of the 150th anniversary was involved in the planning and participated
as MC of the ceremony. Tracy Jackson, of the Friends of the 150th
Anniversary group, was instrumental in communications during the
petition and hearing process.
John
A. Madison, II was the family spokesperson since he was a senior
at Sumner High School. His daughter Lynne said “It is only
appropriate that he be the one to unveil the street name!” And
so he did. It is a beautiful site to go by and see two signs near
each corner that say DRED SCOTT
WAY. Throughout the year, the Foundation
president has cautioned that “we are not celebrating the
Dred Scott Decision, but commemorating it. “Today,” Lynne
said, “we have something to celebrate.”
DATE: MAY
20, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION
THE MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMMEMORATIVE ACTIVIES, INCLUDING
THE ANNIE MALONE PARADE
The
Annual Annie Malone Parade held on May 20, 2007, had two special
guests from the past this year. As only one of the many activities
and commemorative events sponsored by the Missouri Historical
Society, this year, “Dred and Harriet” appears
in a float designed as a courtroom scene. Cheers went up as they
went the route. This honored was bestowed them for the Anniversary
commemorating the 150th year since the Dred Scott Decision was
rendered by the U. S. Supreme Ct. What a nice tribute to two freedom
fighters who found the courage to go all the way!
In
addition to the parade, an almost sacred display was shown from
March – April just at the base of the Jefferson statue at
the North entrance. The March edition of the Monthly Magazine had
a most beautiful cover. On the inside cover was a letter from Dr.
Robert Archibald, President, Missouri Historical Society and
the first article was about Mr. Scott and his case. This is certainly
a most appreciated commemorative issue! Thank you, Dr. Archibald.
In
February 2007, Donn Johnson, Director of Communications, provided
for a DVD message to be made to support author Mary Neighbor, author
of Speak Right On, a 2006 novel written
about the life of Dred Scott. Mary is a delightful lady who with
her publisher, Toby Press, invited Lynne Jackson to participate
at the Library of Congress on March 6, 2007. As this was the exact
anniversary date, Lynne was in St. Louis, MO. In lieu of her attendance,
a DVD was made at the St. Louis History Museum and with thanks
to Donn and crew, Lynne was shown in Washington DC as part of their
commemoration of the 150th anniversary.
On
March 31, The Missouri Historical Society sponsored one of their
tours dedicated to locations around St. Louis that pertain to their
lives. Lynne M. Jackson, a great-great granddaughter of the Scott’s
was honorary tour guide for the day, assisting veteran tour guide Ms.
Linda, a favorite among regular tourists, and tour coordinator, Tami
Goldberg. Lynne talked about The Ville area
where she and the previous generations of the Dred Scott family
were born. At the age of 5 her family moved from the Ville, but
it remained a large part of her life. The Ville today remains rich
in African American History. This historic Antioch Baptist Church
was home to the great-granchildren and their children from 1910-1988. The
first black high school west of the Mississippi River was Sumner
High. The church and the school were literally within a few hundred
feet of the home of Lynne’s grandparents and their seven
children. Lynne refers to Dr. John Wright, local
author and historian as the expert and someone she can refer to
when needed. He created a walking tour guild of celebrated African
American sites in the city, mentioning the Ville and the Dred Scott
impact several times.
A
new stop on the tour was Greenwood Cemetery, where Harriet
Scott is buried. Ms. Etta Daniels joined
the tour at the site and came on the bus sharing the history, discoveries
and future hopes for this location. (She is a researcher and has
found many individuals through the cemetery records and is helping
The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation with genealogical research,
along with Ruth Ann Hagar of the St. Louis County
Library.) Lois Connelly, of the Black
World History Wax Museum provided a lunch that was
hard to tear away from. The tour was an excellent stop but
everyone has to go back to truly enjoy every item available there
to experience. It is a most unique historical site.
As
an FYI, you might just find Lynne wondering around the original
oil painting of Dred on the third floor or in one of the history
galleries and definitely in the gift shop. It’s her secret
place to go to relax and just enjoy the reality of the past.
Thank
you, Bob Archibald, Donn Johnson and all the supporters from
MOHIS!
DATE: APRIL
13, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION MARSHFIELD HONORS
DRED WITH STAR ON TOWN’S WALK OF FAME
There
are many wonderful things going on in towns around the country.
One of the nicest things that happened this Spring was receiving
an invitation from Mr. Nicholas Inman from Marshfield, MO.
He expressed that Dred Scott was to receive a star on the town’s
Walk of Fame and asked if Lynne Jackson would be willing to come
and accept it. Well, of course!
The
drive was almost three hours and it rained the whole day, but what
a beautiful afternoon it was. With Foundation compadre, Linda Van
Reed (Louie) they braved the weather and met the nicest people.
On behalf of the family and the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation,
Lynne received a most beautiful grey polished granite stone about
12” X 24” that had an inlaid star on the left and read, “Dred
Scott A Free Man”. The feeling behind that sentiment was
in the air and on that day Dred became and will forever be the
first African American to be so honored by the relatively small
Midwest town of Marshfield. Oh, did I mention, this all happened
at the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival? Dred would be amazed. And
Harriet would just shake her head! Thank you so much, Mr.
Inman and Marshfield, MO.! We will be back to see the laid stone.
DATE: APRIL
7, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION HARVARD LAW SCHOOL
SYMPOSIUM TITLED,
THE DRED SCOTT DESICION: RACE, LAW AND EQUALITY
Dr.
Charles Olgletree, Jr. is esteemed Jesse Limenko professor at the
Harvard School of Law and founder of the Charles Hamilton Houston
Institute for Race and Equality. Dr. Olgletree, honored the 150th
Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision by holding a symposium titled, The
Dred Scott Decision: Race, Law and Equality on April 6
and 7, 2007. By his most gracious invitation, Lynne M. Jackson,
descendant of Dred and Harriet Scott and founder of the Dred Scott
Heritage Foundation attended the symposium and was profoundly moved
and delighted by the whole experience. A Press Release was written
as she returned to St. Louis recording the amazing events of the
previous two days. Dr. Ogletree’s Institute at Harvard
and Ms. Jackson’s Racial Reconciliation Initiative of the
Foundation in St. Louis are alike in desiring to see a better America
for ALL its citizens. Education and History and Reconciliation
are major emphases of both organizations.
DATE: MARCH
7, 2007
EVENT: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
The
National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) honored the 150th
Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision by hosting a session focusing
on the case for its closing session. Attorney Jeff Modisett of Bryan
Cave LLP, Santa Monica’s Managing Partner and Utah
Attorney General, Mark Scheurtleff, invited Lynne M. Jackson, General
Services Manager of Bryan Cave LLP St. Louis and great-great granddaughter
of Dred Scott, to attend and share her personal remarks.
The
Dias included President of NAAG, Attorney General Thurber Baker
of Atlanta, Mark Scheurtleff, Utah, Attorney General who hosted
the panel, Attorney Walter Dellington whose treatise on Abraham
Lincoln was immensely compelling, Mr. Dennis Hayes, President of
the National NAACP and Ms. Jackson. Mrs. Jackson’s additional
hosts included Ms. Lynn Ross, Executive Director of the National
Association of Attorneys General, Ms.Angelita Picknett, Communications
Director of the NAAG. On the last day of the conference when attendance
was estimated to be around 50, there were over 150 in attendance.
It
is with extreme gratitude that Ms. Jackson thanks Bryan Cave LLP,
Santa Moncia and St. Louis, the AT Office of Utah and the Executive
Office of NAAG in DC for the opportunity to share this history
with them on the occasion of their National Convention.
This
session of the convention can be seen periodically on C-Span.
DATE: MARCH
4, 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION WASHINGTON
UNIVERSITY DRED SCOTT SYMPOSIUM MARCH 1-3, 2007
March 1-3, 2007
witnessed a most impressive gathering of many of the most elite
scholars of the Dred Scott Decision at a symposium held by the
Washington University Law School in honor of the 150th Anniversary
of that decision. Under the most committed and capable leadership
of Dr. David T. Konig, Professor of Law and Professor of History
spearheaded a most impressive symposium was presented which included
the participation of 8 of the 9 Missouri Supreme Court Justices
in the final session.
With the capable
assistance of Dr. John Baugh and Dr. Christopher Bracy, this event
began the official kickoff of the week of the anniversary in St.
Louis, MO. The presiding Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme
court and an avid scholar of the Dred Scott case, Michael Wolff
gave the keynote address at the opening session at Graham Chapel.
In his reflections he said, “Dred and Harriet Scott are symbols
of our greatest failure. We do not celebrate the Dred
Scott decision, but let us not forget it or them.”
“The
Supreme Court of the United States’ pronouncement was as deeply
political as any in our history,” Wolff observed.
Overlapping the event on Saturday, March 3, was the kick-off of the
Old Court House Opening of the brand new Dred Scott exhibit. The Dred
Scott Heritage Foundation coordinated the family so they
were able to attend both sessions at the most crucial times. Approximately
30 of the descendants of Dred Scott were in attendance at Washington
University at some point over the three day event.
Most appropriately
held in the Bryan Cave Mock Courtroom, on the Washington University
Campus, at one point, descendants sat right next to the recognizable
portrait of one of Bryan Cave LLP’s most distinguished Chairmen,
William Van Cleve. Lynne Jackson, Bryan Cave’s General Services
Manager and founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, was
pleased to share the significance of his portrait with family and
friends who attended.
Law School Dean
Kent D. Syverd and Drs. Konig, Baugh, and Bracy hosted dinner on
three evenings for the participating scholars and the Scott descendants.
Many of Dred and Harriet’s descendants live in St. Louis.
Others came from Texas, Kansas City, Michigan, and New York.
The sessions
were full of history, commentary, research, thesis and were quite
attention grabbing. The impressive array of topics and presentation
styles made for a most memorable symposium.
Please see the
web site http://artsci.wustl.edu/~acsp/dred.scott for
a list of speakers and presentation material. The University is
making the sessions available on DVD and a literary work is forthcoming
based on the symposium.
Some of the Dred
Scott descendants were literally overwhelmed to see how much information
was presented and to see how passionate the presenters were about
their topics. It was a magnificent three day presentation for which
the family will always be grateful and extends their deepest thanks
to Washington University Law School, all participants and the support
of Bryan Cave LLP for their commitment
to making the nuances of this history known and for acknowledging
this anniversary in a monumental way.
http://law.wustl.edu/news/index.asp?id=5499
DATE: OCTOBER
2006 - SEPTEMBER 2007
EVENT: THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION THE BLACK REP: DRED
SCOTT’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM
Excellence
comes in many forms but in the theatrical arts, it is best expressed
by passion. That is exactly what we saw from the first production
to the most recent when the Black Rep produced and performed a
special commissioned touring play by star playwright Bill
Harris for the 150th Anniversary called No Land’s
Man: A Chapter in the Lives of Dred and Harriet Scott .
Veteran
actor and entrepreneur Ron Himes, Founder and
Producing Director of The Black Rep and Rita Washington,
Director of Education are to be commended again and again for this
most excellent accomplishment. They began planning this long ago
and it has been a cornerstone of the activities this Spring. The
St. Louis Public Library, a sponsor of the Friends of the 150th
Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision, commissioned this play
on the Anniversary date, March 6, 2007. According to Gerald
Brooks, Marketing Director and Co-Chair of the Friends
group said a crowd of over 300 filled the Performance Hall in the
Main Library Downtown
The
5 person cast performed for almost 40 audiences, many by special
request for intended groups. In October 2006, the first plays were
performed before high school students who were very attentive and
responded with intelligent questions and thoughts. On February
21, The National Geo-Spacial Intelligence Agency requested the
play for their employees. They presented for Black History Month
a four city simulcast of their program. As part of the St. Louis
event, the Black Rep performed and there were few dry eyes in the
room at the end. Lynne Jackson was asked to be in attendance and
introduce the play to the audience. On another occasion, she also
spoke after a private viewing for prospective students from Washington
University who were treated to the play at Grandel Square, the
season location for the Black Rep Performances.
We
will always remember this very special production. Thank you, Ron,
Rita, Bill and everyone who made this such an historic event.
