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New Book Highlights the African-American Town of Sugarland

New Book Highlights the African-American Town of Sugarland

 

A new book that highlights upcounty history debuted this fall: I Have Started for Canaan: The Story of the African American Town of Sugarland.

 

Located five miles outside Poolesville, the town of Sugarland was founded immediately after emancipation by freed slaves from the surrounding community.

 

At its height, Sugarland boasted a church, a schoolhouse, a store, a post office, and a practice hall for the town band, and more than 40 families owned approximately 200 acres of land between them.

 

Today the historic 1894 church still stands, and the legacy of Sugarland is overseen by the nonprofit Sugarland Ethno-History Project, which is run entirely by descendants of Sugarland founders.

 

Nearly 150 years in the making, I Have Started for Canaan tells the story of Sugarland from emancipation to the present day.

 

The book draws on a wide range of primary sources, including church registers, land records, military documents, family trees, artifacts, oral histories, and photographs.

 

As far as we’ve been able to determine, the book is the first full-length history of a Reconstruction-era African American town not just in Montgomery County, but anywhere in Maryland.

 

The book production team consisted of Gwendora Hebron Reese, the president of the Sugarland Ethno-History Project; vice president Suzanne Johnson; and writer Jeff Sypeck.

 

Gwen and Suzanne are direct descendants of Sugarland founders, and between them they’ve spent decades collecting, preserving, and researching Sugarland history.

 

In early 2019, when they decided to turn their vast collection into a book to share the Sugarland story with the world, they invited Sypeck to join them.

 

Author Jeff Sypeck is not a Sugarland descendant or African American, but does have a background in writing about history, and tells us he was honored to help bring their years of work the last mile of the way.

 

The book sells for $20, and all proceeds go to the Sugarland Ethno-History Project for upkeep of their historic property and future maintenance, construction, and educational projects.

 

The book is being sold by the Montgomery Countryside Alliance online during the pandemic, and copies can be ordered at their website: http://www.mocoalliance.org/buy-mca-gear.html

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

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Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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