Join us for an evening of food, history, and storytelling on Wednesday, December 28th. Learn from a presentation on the impacts of West African cultures on our regional culinary traditions; in traditional food, we find on many local family holiday tables such as corn, okra, collards, and macaroni and cheese. Make a plate of delicious foods from Mert’s Heart and Soul, and experience The Chronicles of Adam: a first-person historical interpretation of an enslaved man by the name of Adam.  Listen to powerful stories comprised of various accounts, historical facts, and life lessons. 

Food and refreshments will be included with the purchase of a ticket.

Ticket Price: $25.00

Location:

Little Rock Cultural Center

401 N. Myers St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Date:

Wed., Dec. 28, 2022

Time:

6:00 p.m.

Free parking is available.

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About Dontavius Williams –A proud alumnus of Clinton College (Rock Hill, SC) is the sole proprietor of The Chronicles of Adam. He is not only a storyteller but also a Certified Interpretive Guide who has been trained on the art of interpreting history through various means. Dontavius has been in the field of public history and storytelling for over 10 years and now travels the country interpreting slavery at various historic sites, schools, and churches and community events.

Dontavius uses historical documents and primary sources to paint a picture with words and live action to bring to life the life of the enslaved community during the times of slavery. This first-person historical interpretation of an enslaved man by the name of Adam is comprised of various accounts, historical facts, and life lessons for viewers of any age to enjoy. Viewers of all ages will be thrust back in time to the 19th Century in Antebellum, South Carolina and experience a first-hand conversation with Adam, the blacksmith. This powerful performance has been deemed “life-changing” and even “spiritual” by viewers, young and old.

Dontavius believes in the concept of Sankofa. This is the belief that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. This belief is based on an African proverb that states, “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.” Therefore, through his interpretation, Dontavius desires to inspire all who experience it to feel moved to learn more about their heritage and teach others. ​

About Keri Peterson –Keri is the Senior Director of History and Exhibits at the Levine Museum of the New South.  She is an academic and public historian who specializes in North Carolina History with a particular focus on African American history in the Piedmont. Petersen formerly held appointments as Assistant Professor of History and Coordinator of the History Program at Johnson C. Smith University and Willa B. Player Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Humanities at Bennett College. She holds a Ph.D. in American History with a minor in Atlantic World History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.A. in Public History from North Carolina State University.  

Petersen has a range of public history experience including, Archivist, Records Manager and exhibition curator for the North Carolina Railroad Company and exhibition researcher at the North Carolina Museum of History and she is the recipient of several research awards and fellowships from organizations such as the Institute for the Study of Modern-Day Slavery; Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale University; National Park Service; National Humanities Center; Humanities Action Lab; and United Negro College Fund.  She is currently revising her dissertation entitled “The North Carolina Railroad, Industrial Slavery, and the Economic Development of North Carolina” for publication and serving as a community partner on Mecklenburg County’s Historic Latta Place Reimagined project.