BRUNSWICK – In observance of Black History Month, Bowdoin College students and faculty will give a reading of the play “Resistance,” about an African-American who helped runaway slaves.

Admission to the 7 p.m. event Thursday, Feb. 12, is free, but seating is limited.

“Resistance” was written by Richard Goodman, a member of the Bowdoin College class of 1953. Based on a historic event, the play takes place in pre-Civil War southern Pennsylvania, where many kidnappers tried to capture runaway slaves and return them to the South.

William Parker, a courageous African-American, fought off these slave catchers and protected runaways. On Sept. 11, 1851, as he fought off a U.S. Marshall and his posse, a slave owner was killed and Parker had to flee for his life to Canada.

The play is based on the Christiana riots of 1851, which led to the overturning of the Fugitive Slave Act.

For more information about the reading in the main lounge of Moulton Union, call 725-3663.


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