Date: Fri 17-Nov-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: AMYD

Quick Words:

school-Georgia-Sea-Island

Full Text:

w/photos Georgia Sea Island Singers Feature

schools

B Y A MY D'O RIO

"Master Tom" promised his slave Jack Arabas freedom if he fought in the

Revolutionary War.

So, Jack fought for six years to free the colonies from England and to free

himself from bondage.

But, upon his return home to Stratford, Conn., Jack learned "Master Tom" had

no intention of freeing any slave.

If "Master Tom" would not keep his word, Jack decided he would have to do it

for him.

Runaway slaves were often caught, and Jack was no exception. Within a few

days, he landed in a jail cell with hardly any hope left.

Then, a "law man" told Jack he could sue his slave owner for freedom.

Jack Arabas became the first slave in Connecticut to do just that, and he left

the courtroom a free man.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, actor Gregory Mouning came to Newtown Middle School

to portray two African-American men who found freedom in two different ways.

Frederick Douglass escaped slavery at 21 and went on to become a famed orator.

Mr Mouning's skit shows Mr Douglass relaying the events of his life at an

anti-slavery meeting in 1841.

Called Two For Freedom , this performance is the second cultural arts event

within the last month imparting information about African-American heritage.

Bringing alive African-American chants, work songs, stories and spirituals,

Frankie and Doug Quimby of the Georgia Sea Island Singers recently performed

at Head O'Meadow and Sandy Hook schools.

The Georgia Sea Island Singers have been touring schools for the last 20 years

in an effort to introduce students to the unique African-American culture of

the Georgia sea islands.

Together, the Quimbys taught Newtown students about Gullah, a mixture of

English and an African dialect.

The students also learned the art of hand clapping, and some of children

joined the Quimbys on stage for performances.

The sea islands have long been home to African-Americans. Once the site of

large plantations, the islands became a refuge for freed and fugitive slaves.

When the Civil War ended, many African-Americans remained there. The islands

have become vital storehouses of African-American history because blacks

living there have been cut off geographically from the mainland.

Colleen Swain, the past-chairman of the Newtown PTA Arts Council, said for

years now parents have been working to bring in performers who will not only

expose students to various art forms, but also various cultures.

The performing arts have become a great vehicle for bringing cultural

diversity to the schools, Mrs Swain said.