OIC and ParaDYM Academy to Present “Day of Tears” for Black History Month on Mar 3rd

Continuing the celebration of Black History Month on March 3rd, OIC of New Britain and Paradym Plus Academy will present a stage adaptation of Julius Lester’s book, “Day of Tears.”

The event will be at 4:00pm on March 3, 2018, at OIC, located at at 114 North Street.

“Day of Tears” is a novel in dialogue by Julius Lester, depicting the biggest recorded auction of people held in slavery in American history.

OIC and Paradym Plus Academy describe the stage presentation, which is directed by Laurie M. Cabral and produced by Tom Raines, as, “a powerful introduction to the little-known event in American history which took place on March 2nd and 3rd 1852, in Savanah, Georgia. This was known as the largest slave auction to take place in the United States. Four hundred plus slaves were paraded as chattel to the auctioneer’s block. The slaves referred to these times as, ‘The weeping time’.”

The organizations go on to say that, “The event is brought to life from excerpts of ‘Day of Tears’ by Julius Lester, told from the voices of those put on the auction block, the slave master, the slave seller, the innocent involvement of the children, husbands, wives, and lovers who clung to one last hope of staying together,” adding that the presentation, “is a powerful, very personal and highly emotional dramatization that leaves an indelible impression on the audience.“

At the event, OIC will showcase local vendors and provide a Taste of Soul, prepared by some of the best African American cooks in New Britain.

Tickets to the event are $20,00 in advance and $25.00 at the door, and are available on line at www.eventbrite.com. Tickets are also available at OIC at 860-224-7151.