The Writers Block, InK, in collaboration with Connecticut Landmark’s Hempsted House, announces their upcoming Freedom Fair, which will take place August 11 - 12 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Hempsted House grounds located at 11 Hempstead St in New London, CT. Information about the events featured at the Freedom Fair may be obtained by calling (860) 442-5265. A suggested donation of $5 at the door will be greatly appreciated to support The Writers Block, InK and CT Landmarks.
The Freedom Fair is a two-day event with a performance by “The Boys on the Block” entitled Wealth in Skin: Creative Historical Freedom Stories - a montage of poetry, singing, spoken word, and short scenes. The Writers Block, InK will also be debuting previews of their summer production, Breaking Ground, a work which grapples with issues of homelessness, abuse, divorce, and mending broken relationships. In addition to the performances, throughout the day local vendors will be selling food and novelties.
Connecticut Landmarks collaborated with the Writers Block, InK to create jobs for teens this summer, including six high school students—Kirshon Augmon, Isaiah General, Noah Jenkins, Ronnie Rogers, Jalen Sampeur, and Derrick Silvan, as well as one college student – David Williams. This summer, these students, known as “The Boys on the Block,” researched the life of Adam Jackson, who was enslaved to Joshua Hempsted, the lives of other prominent African American historical figures in the New London area, and the broader history of slavery in Connecticut during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The culmination of the research done by “The Boys on the Block” has resulted in an original production entitled Wealth in Skin: Creative Historical Freedom Stories directed by Broadway veteran, Ron Bastine. On August 11th and 12th, this original production will be performed throughout the day during The Freedom Fair - a celebration of community in New London County both yesterday and today.
