Stowe Prize Series: The Phillips Manuscript and “James: A Novel”

Schedule

Tue Nov 17 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:30 pm

UTC-05:00
Location

77 Forest St, Hartford, CT, United States, Connecticut 06105 | Hartford, CT

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The Stowe Prize Series continues with a powerful exploration of history, storytelling, and the enduring struggle for freedom.
This year, we bring into conversation two remarkable works: the recently discovered Phillips Manuscript, which documents the extraordinary life of Dr. William H. Phillips, and Percival Everett’s award-winning novel James. The Phillips Manuscript will be on display at each gathering.
Born enslaved in Virginia in 1841, Dr. Phillips went on to become a nationally respected minister at Shiloh Baptist Church in Philadelphia. His life touches on pivotal events of 19th-century America and illuminates the resilience, courage, and intellect of Black Americans before and after emancipation. His story resonates with the themes of Everett’s James, which reframes the story of Huck Finn through the eyes of Jim.
Join Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens and Dr. Camesha Scruggs to explore medicine, health, and healing in the Phillips Manuscript and Percival Everett’s James. Through a presentation and facilitated discussion, consider how Dr. William H. Phillips’s real-life narrative and Everett’s novel deepen our understanding of history and the power of storytelling.
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Where is it happening?

77 Forest St, Hartford, CT, United States, Connecticut 06105

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

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Stowe Center for Literary Activism
Host or PublisherStowe Center for Literary Activism

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