The Stono Rebellion
Presenter: Damian Costello
The Stono Rebellion has been called the most important slave revolt in North American history. In this lecture, Damian Costello examines the events and the deep African roots of the 1739 uprising in South Carolina. Recent arrivals from the Kingdom of Kongo drew on drumming traditions, military organization, and Kongolese spirituality to communicate their message of freedom. The high point of the revolt was a ceremonial dance, the sangamento, which fused African precedents and enacted the rebels' call of liberty. Costello will also trace the sangamento tradition in the U.S. and throughout the Americas, and discuss how the Kongolese message of liberty can inform present-day efforts to overcome the lingering effects of our colonial inheritance.
"Damian Costello presented the story of the Stono Rebellion in an easy-to-follow way while explaining the complexities of the cultural, political, and religious factors at play. I think his own wish to learn more about the African people that did make it to Florida and supposedly, freedom, would add an interesting and needed footnote to the story of the Stono Rebellion. I appreciate how Damian Costello recognized that his interest in and telling of this partcular piece of history is related to his personal story and scholarly interests. It's the human part of the humanities which connects us."
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of bringing the humanities to your community!