What an amazing look into Black History we had! Thank you, everyone who joined us at the Town of Oakland’s Black History Month Exhibit Opening Reception at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center on February 15, 2024. The exhibit celebrates the hope of freedom, showcased in art, documentary film and spoken word poetry.
Dr. Eurydice Stanley gave us incredible insights into the life of Harriet Tubman, an icon of freedom who acted, inspired and led as she fought for equality, justice and freedom in an era of slavery. She discussed Tubman’s contributions to the US including being the first woman to lead an armed military raid, Union spy, scout, nurse and conductor of the Underground Railroad.
High school senior Christian Stanley shared some of his spoken word poetry. He is a two-time state History Day winner and award-winning poet who aspires to become a pilot.
This Black History Month exhibit features art that portrays the African American experience in Central Florida and the US. It includes T’Afo Feimster’s painting Underground, a powerful image that captures the lives saved and the impact of Tubman’s efforts on the Underground Railroad. Also on display are Sculptor Wesley Wofford small replicas of two of his commissioned Harriet Tubman sculptures that have been well-received in communities across the country. This is the first time both artists have their artwork showcased in Florida.
Thank you to our Community Partners who helped make this exploration of Black history possible:
Empire Finish Systems, United Arts, The Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation, Duke Energy, Walmart, Florida Lottery, Montierre Development, Orange Observer News and Universal Orlando Foundation.
Copies of Dr. Stanley’s books and photography were available at the event, including her new children’s and leadership books about Harriet Tubman. She recently released Chasing Harriet: Tracing the Footsteps of an Icon to Freedom, her documentary film on Tubman. The award-winning film was directed by Grace Stanley.
An exemplary woman of courage, Harriet Tubman was the conductor of the Underground Railroad, a Civil War scout, spy, nurse, entrepreneur, suffragist, caregiver, wife and mother. She was the first woman to lead an armed military operation, the Combahee River Raid, which freed more than 750 formerly enslaved souls during the Civil War in 1863. She spoke extensively regarding the hell of slavery and put her life on the line countless times to facilitate its end. She said, “I had reasoned out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other.”
Dr. Eurydice Stanley is an award-winning international speaker, author, filmmaker, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and CEO of Amused Media and Productions, LLC, a speaking, training and development company. She attended Florida A & M University where she was commissioned as an Army Officer in 1990. She served as a senior HR officer for 28 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, primarily assigned to elite positions that leveraged her exceptional communication skills. Her most impactive assignments involved conducting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), leadership and human relations training for senior leaders worldwide. She served in a myriad of positions and was awarded numerous recognitions for excellence, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Florida Distinguished Service Medal. She became a certified John C. Maxwell Leadership Consultant and trainer, and after retiring from the military, she conducted training for organizations, published books and focused on raising her children Grace and Christian. Learn more about Dr. Eurydice at www.dreurydice.com.
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