Join the Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group, interpretation and archaeology staff, and the Board of Directors for the Roots and Reconnection Festival, a special event to honor, celebrate, and educate about the life, culture, and history of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked on the plantation, as well as the culture and life of African Americans today. This festival highlights the profound connection between the past and the present, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our rich heritage.

What to Expect:

• Music and Dance: Enjoy vibrant musical and dance performances showcasing the talent and creativity of the African American community.
• Exhibits and Tours: Explore informative exhibits and participate in tours that offer deep insights into plantation life and the evolution of African American culture.
• Food and Celebration: Savor a variety of food while celebrating the rich culture of African Americans.
• Conversations: Engage in meaningful conversations that promote understanding and appreciation of our shared history and its impact on the present.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Ongoing Activities:
Archaeology at the 1857 Slave Dwelling
Music by DJ Ed
Vendor Market open

Timed Performances/Activities

• 10:30 a.m.- Kuumba Dance Ensemble performance and drum circle
• 11:00 a.m. – Legacy of Perseverance: Discovering the Lives of the Enslaved at Poplar Forest with Leslie King:

 Join us at the Roots and Reconnection Festival for a guided tour and discussion that centers on the lives of the enslaved community at Poplar Forest. This tour delves into their daily experiences, cultural practices, acts of resistance, and the resilience they exhibited within the brutal system of slavery. By focusing on the humanity and agency of these individuals,  we will examine their significant contributions to the plantation’s economy and culture.

Through personal stories, historical context, and examples of resistance, the tour illuminates the complex lives of the enslaved people at Poplar Forest, acknowledging both their suffering and their strength. The experience will conclude with an opportunity for reflection and conversation, encouraging participants to engage thoughtfully and develop a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of their legacy.

• 11:15 a.m.- “But I Could Only Be Silent” dramatic performance by Gloria Simon
• 11:30 a.m.- The African Influence on American Music with Lew Taylor

Join local musician, Lew Taylor for a talk about how African influences created the music culture Americans experience now. 

• Lunch vendors open by 12:00 p.m. Please join us at a table in the large tent and enjoy a performance by Tony Camm and the Funk All-Stars.
• 12:30 p.m.- A short program to remember and acknowledge those enslaved at Poplar Forest.
• 1:30 p.m.- The African Influence on American Music with Lew Taylor
• 1:45 p.m.- “But I Could Only Be Silent” dramatic performance by Gloria Simon
• 2:00 p.m.- Legacy of Perseverance: Discovering the Lives of the Enslaved at Poplar Forest
• 2:30 p.m.- Kuumba Dance Ensemble performance and drum circle

Admission is free and open to all.

Rain Date: September 21, 2024