Join us for a guided tour as we explore the rich activist history of Florence. Walk the African-American history trail and discover Sojourner Truth’s house, abolitionist landmarks, and the site of the 19th-century utopian community, the Northampton Association of Industry and Education. Our friends at the David Ruggles Center will explain what brought a progressive, innovative group of people to Florence in the 19th century and how they influenced the village’s development.

After the walk, we’ll come inside for hot cocoa and then award-winning pianist and composer Mark G. Meadows will screen his recent short documentary, But Don’t Believe Them. In this 23-minute docu-concert, Meadows, a black bi-cultural jazz musician, speaks about the Black Lives Matter movement, using interview footage and musical performance to awaken people to the need for equality for black people living in this country. The screening will be followed by a talkback session with Meadows, vocalist Rochelle Rice (Sweet Honey in the Rock), and local experts.

Timeline:

2PM - David Ruggles Center Walking Tour

3PM - Hot chocolate and conversation

3:30PM - Film Screening: But Don't Believe Them

4-5PM - Conversation with Mark + Rochelle + panelists

The Black History Month series is sponsored by Ruthie Oland Real Estate, Davis Financial, and Living in the Light of Rare Diseases, and is co-presented with the David Ruggles Center.

This program is also supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.