This time last year we were working very hard to make the Hannibal AfricanAmerican Life and History Project (HAALHP) a reality. Our September 10th Grand Opening was a tremendous success; we were able to shine a spotlight on the long overduehistory of Hannibal’s African American community. The Exhibit has been enjoyedby hundreds of visitors whocommented on the historical significance of the African American community toHannibal’s past which inspire us to look for ways to make this Exhibit apermanent part of Hannibal’s cultural experience.
We plan to expand the Exhibit and to integrate many prominent African American characters from Samuel Clemens’ writings with Hannibal’s history, particularly Jim in Huckleberry Finn. We hope to explore the role literature played in the fight against racism and the place humor and satire can play in the movement for social justice. We will examine the post emancipation journey of Jimmy, Daniel Quarles, John Louis, George Guinn and others who went into the creation of Jim.
As with many of Hannibal’s slaves - Daniel Quarles' life and the life of his children and grandchildren can easily be documented and explored. We learned that he was emancipated in 1855and from 1873 until his death in 1894 – he lived in Hannibal - their Family Home at 2120 Gordon Street still stands.
Please celebrate this milestone with us and show your support for its future with your financial donation, donations are tax deductible as our 501(c)3 partner the Northeast Missouri Community Foundation will provide tax letters. Your gift will make it possible for tourists, visitors and residents to continue to experience the contributions of Hannibal’s AfricanAmerican legacy to “America’s Hometown.”
Many thanks to you for your support - feel free to call me at 217-617-1507 with your questions.
