An Adaptation of Unchained Memories

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – April 15, 2018) - - - For the third consecutive year, Columbia State Community College presents The Slave Narratives: An Adaptation of Unchained Memories April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Ledbetter Auditorium and May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre. 

The Slave Narratives consists of iconic excerpts from literature that preserve the life and legacy of many unknown African-American slaves. Columbia State faculty, staff, students and retirees will bring the lives of these brave men and women to stage through live narration – they will highlight the perseverance of a race of people that were bound, dehumanized, abused and treated as property.

“The Slave Narratives initially started as just a classroom experience for my students in African American literature,” said Shelley Manns, Columbia State assistant director of learning support and associate professor of English. “I saw how powerful these stories were in voice, spirit and experience and how they emotionally impacted my students – I wanted other audiences to have the opportunity to revisit a time in history, although horrific at times, where our nation began to humanize a culture by giving them a voice to tell their own story. The narratives highlight the voices of formerly enslaved people telling their own experiences.”

The events are free and open to the public. The Ledbetter Auditorium is in the Clement Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. 

The Franklin Theatre is located at 419 Main St. in Franklin. Reserve your free tickets to the Franklin Theatre show now as seats are limited: www.FranklinTheatre.com

For more information about the show, contact Shelley Manns at smanns@ColumbiaState.edu or visit the Columbia State website at www.ColumbiaState.edu.   

Photo Caption:  LaTasha Stenson, Columbia State assistant professor of English, speaking at the 2017 Slave Narratives.