2026 Tell the Story History Forum: Defending Freedom
About this Event
2026 Tell the Story History Forum: Defending Freedom
The 2026 Tell the Story History Forum brings together the general public, scholars, professional and independent historians, and lifelong learners for a day of thoughtful discussion exploring a few of the many ways Black Americans have pursued freedom throughout history. Hosted by Emily Crumpton-Deason, the forum features keynote remarks honoring the legacy of Black American history advocate Kate Holbrook presented by Professor Dwain Coleman, followed by engaging presentations examining military service, Buffalo Soldiers in Utah, women in the Civil War, racial passing, diplomacy, and Utah’s state parks.
We will have a wonderful catered lunch by Papa Stew’s Kitchen. Our day will conclude with a time to release and reflect, designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, answer lingering questions, and inspire continued learning.
Through compelling historical research and community conversation, the Tell the Story History Forum invites attendees to deepen their understanding of Utah’s Black history while exploring the enduring themes of resilience, identity, and belonging as tied to freedom.
History Forum Schedule
Hostess: Emily Crumpton-Deason
8:30 am > Doors open
8:30 – 9:00 am > Check-in & Same-day Registration
9:00 am > Forum Opening: Calling-In the Tribe
9:30 – 10:30 am > Kate Holbrook Black American History Advocate Speech:
Professor Dwain Coleman
10:30 – 10:45 am > Break
10:45 – 12:00 noon > Session 1: Claiming Freedom by Serving
*Moderator: Emily Crumpton-Deason
*Women in the Civil War: J.R. Hardman
*Buffalo Soldiers in Utah: Marcos Van Dalen
*Why Black Americans Served After the Civil War: Robert Burch
12:00 – 1:30 pm > Catered Lunch by Papa Stew’s Kitchen
1:30 – 2:45 pm >Session 2: Claiming Freedom by Passing
* Moderator: Emily Crumpton-Deason
*The History of Racial Passing: PBS UT short documentary
*Beyond the Color Line: Passing as Resistance & Survival:
Professor Paul Reeve
2:45 – 3:00 pm > Break
3:00 – 3:45 pm > Session 3: Claiming Freedom Through Diplomacy
*Utah State Parks Project with Africans:
Josephine Southerland Buabeng
3:45 – 4:45 pm > Release & Reflect: Answering Unasked Questions &
Settling Issues Before Leaving
Moderator: TBA
4:45 – 5:00 pm > Forum Closing & Event Evaluation
Cost Per Person
Early Bird Discount Package (12 July – 10 Aug, or until all available tickets have been purchased)
This special Early Bird Discount Package is for one (1) Dinner ticket and one (1) Tell the Story History Forum ticket. To purchase this item, go to the Ancestral Remembrance Celebration & Recognition Dinner ticket platform within this collection. This special discount gets 1 dinner ticket for $90 plus 1 forum ticket for $30; a discount of $40 on the forum; total price of $120.
$120 + $9.89 > Eventbrite Service Fee $6.23 + System Processing Fee $3.66 = $129.89 Total
(NOTE: THERE ARE ONLY 50 SEATS AVAILABLE AT THIS SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICE. THIS PACKAGE IS ONLY BEING OFFERED AS AN EARLY BIRD SPECIAL.)
Regular Price (available until 8 Sep)
$70 + $> Eventbrite Service Fee $+ System Processing Fee $ = $ Total
(Thank you for covering the system fee and processing fee so our non-profit 501c3 will have more money to continue Black history research and make new exhibits to circulate Utah.)
Date
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Time
8:30 am > Doors Open
8:30 – 9:00 am > check-in & Same-day Registration
9:00 am > History Forum Begins
Location: Parking is FREE
Masonic Lodge
650 East South Temple
SLC, UT 84102
Also Available During Annual Heritage Days
· “Lifting As We Climb” Walking Tour (contained within one Black American historic neighborhood)
· “Lifting As We Climb” Bus Tour (extended version of the walking tour that covers one Black American historic neighborhood plus other locations around Salt Lake City)
Tickets for tours can be purchased under our Tours Collection here on Eventbrite.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 76.54
