Lorenzo Cultural Center presents Freedom Confirmed, a program series focused on the Lincoln presidency, Feb. 12 – April 27

Series includes special one-day exhibit from the True Black History Museum

The Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, presents Freedom Confirmed, a program series focused on Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Civil War and key events that shaped American democracy and freedoms, Feb. 12 through April 27. Presented in partnership with the Detroit Historical Society, the program series includes exhibits, artifacts and more than 20 presentations to inspire and educate visitors. A special one-day travelling collection from the True Black History Museum will be presented on Feb. 24.

“Freedom Confirmed focuses on a critical period of American history that shines a light on issues that are still important today” said William Wood, director of cultural affairs and community engagement, Macomb Community College.”

The series begins at 1 p.m. on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Monday, Feb. 12, with a viewing of the film Lincoln. Macomb Professor Elton Weintz will provide cultural and historical context for the film and moderate a Q&A after the movie.

To open Freedom Confirmed exhibits on Feb. 24, the True Black History Museum will present The Collection*, a showcase of artifacts that span from the 1600s to the present day. The Collection aims to honor the legacy of Black people and to educate others of their many achievements in various fields of human endeavor. This exhibit is only available on Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At 11 a.m. on Feb. 24, the True Black History Museum will also present a celebration* of the Black American heritage through rhythmic movements featuring African American dancers, percussive sounds of African American drummers along with a rendition of the Black National Anthem.

Among the 24 presentations and performances scheduled:

• 29 - Shout Hallelujah with the North Star Gospel Chorale. This performance honors the religious celebrations of enslaved people in the Deep South. North Star Gospel Chorale uses music to show one way they kept their community together.
• March 9 – Abraham and Mary Lincoln: In Love and War: Daniel Epstein, author of the book, The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage, offers insight into the personal dynamics of their relationship and how it was shaped by Lincoln’s career and the Civil War.
• March 16, Apr. 4-5 -- Museum Theatre’s The Iron Brigade, Parts I and II, tells the story of Jacob Musgrave, an apple farmer turned soldier in Michigan’s newly formed 24^th Infantry Regiment in the Union Army during the Civil War.
• March 23 – Civil War Music: The Dodworth Saxhorn Band recreates the experience of 19^th Century band music using authentic instruments together with dramatic segments, dialogue and comedy performed by the singers.
• 11 – The Harder Part: Michigan Women Go to War: MSU History Professor Roger Rosentreter tells the important but unappreciated role of Michigan women in the Civil War, including a battlefield nurse, a war correspondent and a 22-year-old who concealed her female identity for two years to serve in the ranks.

All presentations are held at the Lorenzo Cultural Center. Exhibit hours are Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Although the exhibit and presentations are free to attend, pre-registration for the presentations is required to ensure available seating. For a complete listing of the presentations and to register, go to www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com

*  Presented in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omega Xi Omega Chapter and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated® Tau Mu Nu Chapter.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu