A century and a half after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing approximately a half million slaves, Logan Countians and their friends and relatives are renewing their celebration of that historic milestone this weekend.
For almost 30 years, freedom of African-Americans has been celebrated on the 8th of August weekend in Russellville’s area between Hampton Park, the KP Hall and the West Kentucky African American Museums. That came after the celebration became too large for the small Todd County community of Allensville.
Long-time Russellvillians, including those who live there, call the area The Bottoms, but it’s at the top of the local social calendar during this special time of year, every year.
The celebration began Thursday night and runs through Sunday evening. Events are planned all four days, but much of the fun comes from friends and families getting together for one of the biggest homecomings in the Land of Logan annually.
The official opening Thursday—appropriately Aug. 8—came on the grounds of the African American Museums at the corner of Sixth and Morgan streets adjacent to Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The church’s pastor, Fred D. Fort, introduced a number of dignitaries, including the guest speaker, Louisville pastor Devin West, formerly of Adairville’s Marriah Grove Baptist Church. His wife is the former Tonya Tolliver of Russellville.
At the same site Friday night, the second program of Russellville Blues’ Mary Ann Fisher Concert Series, will be held. The concert is free, food vendors will be on site, and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and an appetite.
The concert will feature regional favorite Tyrone Dunn and Kinfoke. Dunn was one of the special guests during last year’s August concert and is one of the main singers in the Motown series by the Kentucky Orchestra.
Blues great Michael Gough is one of the leaders of Russellville Blues with help from Joe Gran Clark, Mary Lucy Chapman, Charlie Ray, Pat Basham and others. Local historian Michael Morrow directs the African American Museums. Paulette Benton Smith is the spokesperson for the planning committee of the 8th of August celebration.
Starting the big day Saturday, Concerned Citizens of Russellville/Logan County will sponsor an 8th of August breakfast, beginning at 6 a.m. at the KP Hall at the corner of 5th and Morgan streets. The menu will consist of country ham, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuits, jelly and coffee. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door.
Also at the KP Hall several hours later, an event called “Mardi Gras” will include great food, music and several other events. Tickets are $8 each. People will start gathering at 5p.m. No closing time has been set.
Basketball, softball and golf tournaments will be held as part of the 8th of August celebration. To register for basketball, contact Otis Key at 784-5413; for softball, Tony Nichols at 772-4973; and for golf, Larry Hampton at 726-3921.
The activities at Hampton Park Saturday conclude with a free concert from 7-9 p.m. will feature Fender Bender from Bowling Green. Russellville High School graduate Donald Smith is a member of that band.
Closing out this special weekend, a unique opportunity to see an outdoor musical drama performed in Russellville will take place on Sunday. “Stories from da Dirt” will be presented on the grounds of the Bibb House Museum at Eighth and Winter streets, beginning at 6 p.m.
The Bibb House is a special landmark in the history of emancipation, because its namesake, Major Richard Bibb, who owned and lived in the home, freed 31 of his slaves in 1829, giving them the choice of going to Liberia or to land set aside for them in West Logan.
The drama, which has been performed around the country, including New Orleans, Charlotte and Nashville, was written, directed and researched by Russellville’s Dr. Nancy Dawson. Based on actual historical figures such as Elizabeth Thompson, a runaway slave and Dawson’s great grandmother, the play depicts the lives of African American women escaping from slavery. Monologues, traditional spiritual music and dance are interwoven into the story to highlight the often chaotic and troubled lives of the slaves.
Food will be available, and the Bibb House will be open prior to the show to let everyone see the restoration work that has been taking place. Those attending are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a summer evening of entertainment on the lawn of the Bibb House Museum. Admission is free, but a $10 donation for adults is suggested. Proceeds go toward the Bibb House restoration.
KET will be on hand to film parts of this production, along with other events taking place throughout western Kentucky during the 8th of August Emancipation celebrations.