The 2025 Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talk Series Explores “The Art of War: Conflict and the African American Philosophy”

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) presents the 2025 Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talk Series, titled "The Art of War: Conflict and the African American Philosophy." Inspired by Sun Tzu’s classic text, The Art of War, this year’s series presents a unique framework to explore how African philosophies of war, strategy, resilience, and collective action have influenced African American history.

Taking place every Sunday in February at the Portsmouth Public Library, the series will also examine how African Americans have drawn upon spiritual strength, communal traditions, and cultural wisdom to endure oppression, fight for justice, and shape the nation's history.

“This year’s series is not only a reflection on history but also a celebration of the resilience and ingenuity of African Americans,” said JerriAnne Boggis, Executive Director of BHTNH. “By drawing on ancient spiritual traditions and collective wisdom, African Americans created pathways for survival and progress. The conversations at the Tea Talks will allow us to understand our shared history and the ongoing fight for justice.”

Program Highlights:

• Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth, Public Library
  Things They Carried: An African Philosophy on War, Surviving Enslavement, and Citizenship
  This panel will explore how African philosophies of war and cosmology helped enslaved Africans endure and cope with the trauma of enslavement.
• Sunday, February 9, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth Public Library
  Hopes and Impediments: War and Strategies for Belonging
  This session will highlight the significant role of African and African Americans in early wars, such as the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, which served as both a strategic offensive and a powerful act of spiritual defiance against oppression.
• Sunday, February 16, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth Public Library
  The Great Migration: Military Service and the Shaping of a Diversified New Hampshire
  This panel will examine the integration of military bases in New Hampshire and how these bases built diverse communities in the state.
• Sunday, February 23, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth Public Library
  Eyes on the Prize: Protests, Movements, and the Road Ahead
  Reflect on the spiritual and moral leadership of African American civic movements, from the Civil Rights era to today’s calls for justice and equity.

In addition, this year’s Tea Talk Series will include expanded programming in Warner and Manchester, bringing these essential conversations to a broader audience across the state.

“The conversations hosted by the Trail are some of the most meaningful and impactful discussions I’ve ever had,” said Valerie Fagin, a long-time volunteer with BHTNH. “I’ve seen how these events inspire attendees to reflect, connect, and take action in their own lives. These talks are not just about history—they’re about hope and transformation.”

All talks are free and open to the public, with in-person or virtual options.