The first installment of this unprecedented historical webinar series showcases 3 acclaimed historians from the upcoming, revealing documentary Exiled from history--The story of America's Maroons. Distinguished historians and Maroon descendants recount the riveting and little-known story of the U.S. Maroons, escaped slaves who managed to survive in the wild under siege as they set out for freedom and self-determination. They formed their own communities and alliances with Native American tribes and rebelled against the British and American governments. The goal of the documentary is to further awareness of this all-important, yet overlooked chapter in our nation's history. The premiere webinar will provide a glimpse into this history and current projects being undertaken by the featured speakers. They will share images and engage in lively discussion. Attendees will be able to submit and receive answers to their questions in the concluding Q&A segment. A recording will be made available online for those unable to attend the live event. At this critical time in our nation and around the world, as we face mounting racial and political tensions, fear, and aggression of all kinds, this webinar series redirects our focus to a chapter in our nation’s history that needs and deserves to be told, perhaps now more than ever.

Speakers:

University of South Carolina

Dr. Terrance Weik,

Terrance Weik, a native of Pennsylvania (as is his spouse), is a father of two. Dr. Weik received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and his graduate degrees from the University of Florida (1995, 2002). Weik chose a career in archaeology in order to explore African diasporan cultural origins, freedom seeking initiatives, struggles with inequalities, and social identities. Outside of academia, Weik’s career has involved brief interludes in GIS applications, Cultural Resource Management, and private consultation (museums, nonprofits, and government agencies). He is also an accomplished author having written the well-received "The Archaeology of Antislavery Resistance".

Savannah State University

Dr. Amir Jamal Toure,

Amir Jamal Toure, J.D. is a native of Savannah and Hilton Head Island. His families have been in the low country of Georgia and South Carolina since 1814. He is a graduate of Savannah State University with dual degrees, Cum Laude, and the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. Touré is called the People’s Historian. He is the resident scholar for Geechee Kunda, Cultural Center and Museum in Riceboro, Ga., and is known as a Djeli (cultural historian) who shares the history of African people at home and in the diaspora, in particular. He is the founder of Day Clean: The African Soul and Day Clean Journeys: History, culture, and empowerment are their focus. Touré is an adjunct professor at Savannah State University and a published author.

Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture

Dr. Martha Bireda,

Dr. Martha Bireda is Executive Director of the Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County. She is a fifth generation Floridian, and a descendant of the first African Americans to settle in Punta Gorda. She earned a B.A. and M.A. in Speech Pathology from Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan, respectively and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Florida. Dr. Bireda has more than 25 years of experience as an educational consultant and has authored seven books including the 2nd Edition of “The Trabue Woods Book of Values”, and her latest, “Obi, Seminole Maroon: Freedom Fighter.” She has established a pilot project, “The New Image Project” in collaboration with the local school district. The program utilizes historical narrative and the 7 Principles related to the Maroon Consciousness.