BHTNH Tea Talk Series Starts with Enthusiastic and Engaged Audience

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Black Heritage Trail launched its opening discussion as part of the Eleanor Williams Hooker Tea Talk Series. Held at the Portsmouth Public Library, the event featured Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum, Tony Van Der Meer, PhD, Chief-Nze Oscar Mokeme, and Barbara McLean Ward, PhD, under the skillful moderation of Akeia de Barros Gomes, PhD. The talk “Things They Carried: An African Philosophy on War, Surviving Enslavement, and Citizenship” drew a full house, indicating the strong interest and eagerness to explore these critical themes.

Ward began the discussion with an insightful examination of the 1779 Petition of Freedom, articulating how the document’s authors framed freedom as a fundamental right, inherently opposed to the injustices of slavery. Bynum took the stage to discuss “The Art of War” through the lens of ancient history, emphasizing its connection to African heritage and providing attendees with a unique perspective on these philosophies’ roots and enduring impact.

Audience response was clear: attentiveness and resonance with the discussed topics. This reaction highlighted the series’ success in not only disseminating knowledge but also sparking reflection and a willingness to consider significant societal issues.

The upcoming talk, “Hopes and Impediments: War and Strategies for Belonging” is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, at 2:00 PM at the Portsmouth Public Library, and promises to build on these discussions. It features panelists Bob Sheppard, the son of Tuskegee Airman Master Sgt. James A. Sheppard, along with Glenn A. Knoblock and Danielle Rose, offering a diverse range of voices and insights.

The Tea Talk Series stands out not only for its educational value but also as an essential forum for examining the complexities of history, warfare, and identity. Attendance is complimentary, and registration is available at blackheritagetrailnh.org. This series offers a vital opportunity for those looking to deepen their understanding and participate in meaningful discourse.