Sat 5/9 @ 6-10PM
Last year, a new and different event was added to the local calendar when Station Hope aka “a block party with a purpose” took place at the newly restored St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ohio City.
Described as a “jubilant, immersive community event, it celebrated Cleveland’s — and St. John’s — role in the Underground Railroad, though original music, dance, skits, readings, storytelling, discussion groups and installations created by local artists, taking place in and around St. John’s two buildings.
The place was packed, with over 2,000 people attending the free event. It will kick off at 6pm with the dedication of an Ohio Underground Railroad Historical Marker at St. John’s to be officiated by northern Ohio Episcopal bishop Mark Hollingsworth, chair of the Ohio Friends of Freedom Society Cathy Nelson and Cleveland city councilman Joe Cimperman.
Then visitors are free to fan out and catch the various short performances going on simultaneously around the St. John’s grounds, as well as outdoor performances in the street in front of the church.
The performances, coordinated by Cleveland Public Theatre, will not only address the historical aspects of the underground railroad and slavery but also issues such as immigration, human trafficking, gun violence, income inequality, racism and gender discrimination. Performers include more than three dozen local arts and community groups and individuals, such as the National Association of Black Storytelling, the Music Settlement, the Duffy Liturgical Dance Ensemble, Teatro Publico de Cleveland, Inlet Dance Theatre, musician/ spoken word artist R.A. Washington and playwright Christine Howey.
It is still free.
Cleveland, OH 44113