Author to Give Presentations at Tuckahoe Church's Black History Month Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Jan. 29, 2015 - PRLog -- Solomon Northup’s kidnapping and wrongful enslavement was the basis of the Oscar-winning film "12 Years a Slave." Fiske has devoted years of research to Northup, and will talk about how he and other black citizens of New York were kidnapped and sold into slavery before the Civil War. Under American slavery, it was not only the slaves who suffered. Free blacks were at risk of having their liberty taken away at any time. They were sometimes lured from the safety of their hometowns, abducted, and sold as  slaves. This happened to Northup as well as other black New Yorkers. When taken to a slave state, their chances of returning home were small. But some victims, like Northup, were rescued, and their kidnappers were held accountable for their deeds.

Fiske, who wrote an e-book: Slavery on Stage: Black Stereotypes and Opportunities in Nate Salsbury’s "Black America" Show, will also discuss that interesting 1895 production, which gave many African Americans a foot in the door for careers in show business. Black America was managed by Billy McClain, a black performer and promoter, and it featured an all-black cast of performers and artisans. The show served to increase public awareness of the many talents and skills of black citizens.

Fiske is a professional librarian and genealogist who has done substantial research on Solomon Northup and other African Americans who were kidnapped and sold into slavery before the Civil War.  In 2012 he self-published a book about Solomon Northup, and in 2013 he worked with Clifford Brown and Rachel Seligman to write Solomon Northup: The Complete Story of the Author of Twelve Years a Slave. He also did some research that was utilized in the marketing of the film "12 Years a Slave."  He is currently completing a book titled Solomon Northup's Kindred: The Kidnapping of Free Citizens before the Civil War. For more information, see his web page: http://solomonnorthup.com

The brunch will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Emanuel A.M.E. Church (Rev. Dr. Linda C. Hill, Pastor), located at 6 Van Duzen Place, Tuckahoe, New York (914-793-2526). A modest fee will be charged.