Writer Jamil Ragland reviews a March 7, 2026 performance of “Sarah Margu: Child of the Amistad” at Prosser Library in Bloomfield, CT. Historian and performer Tammy Denease portrays Sarah Margu, one of six children kidnapped from Sierra Leone and brought aboard the infamous schooner La Amistad. Rather than centering the story on the well-known legal […]
WETHERSFIELD — Local performing artist, storyteller, actor and playwright Tammy Denease is known for bringing important and hidden Black women in history to life through her one-woman plays throughout the state. She took another big step forward with her directorial debut in “Living History: Elizabeth Keckly — Freedom Tailored by Hand.” Read the full article
Margu was just 9 years old when she was sold into captivity, marched 80 miles to the West African coast, held in the notorious Dunbomo slave pens on Lomboko Island, then shipped to Cuba. In 1839, she was one of four children among the 53 captives aboard the schooner Amistad, headed toward a life of […]
We are commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Amistad captives’ freedom. On Thursday, March 10 at 5:30 pm, storyteller and actress Tammy Denease will be at the New Haven Museum portraying Margu- one of four captive children on the Amistad who ended up in CT. Margu was nine years old when she was sold into […]
Women in History March is the month chosen to celebrate women. Ain’t I a woman everyday?! Please don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the idea of celebrating womanhood. However, as a daughter, wife, mother, sister and grandmother I would prefer to be celebrated and appreciated everyday. Appreciated for being me because I am loved and […]
Growing up in Columbus, MS I heard it all. From the Motown Sound to the Soul of Philadelphia to classical, rock, disco, Every morning I awoke to two songs playing on the radio – Minnie Ripperton singing “Loving You” and Barry Manilow singing “I write the Songs”. When I heard Minnie it was time to […]
As a performing artist it is at times challenging to do what you love the most. There are obstacles that can hinder your process and impede your progress! There is the obstacle of self-doubt. This is the biggest and most damaging to any dream or goal. When you doubt your ability to believe in your […]
This is one of the Women that I have added to my “Obscure Women” series. Mrs. Cary was a true champion for human rights, regardless of race or gender. A perfect example of someone who was of the elite class using their wealth, and status for the good of the people! Today in 1823, Mary […]
Below is a great piece on a good friend of mine which I borrowed from his website. I met Mr. Bill Costen in 2005. I was somewhat embarrassed that I had not met this living legend before, as we almost lived in each others backyard. He is one of my Unsung Heros. Below is a […]
