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Commemorates the life of Missouri's most prominent nineteenth-century African American leader, James Milton Turner. The show chronicles how Turner overcame the difficulties of slavery, was educated secretively in schools throughout St. Louis, served as a body servant to Madison Miller (a Union colonel during the Civil War), was appointed U.S. minister to Liberia by Ulysses S. Grant, successfully won a lawsuit on behalf of former black slaves in Oklahoma, and established a many free colored schools throughout the state of Missouri.

Themes:

Overcoming adversity, pursuing excellence, having perseverance, maintaining faith, serving humanity.

Questions to ponder for audience

• James Milton Turner faced and overcame the difficulties of slavery. What difficulties in your life have you had to overcome? How did you accomplish it?
• James Milton Turner pursued the excellence of education at any cost. How valuable is your education? How will obtaining an education improve your life?
• James Milton Turner persevered in his professional life as a lawyer, school superintendent, and politician. When have you had to persevere to achieve a specific goal? What were the steps you took?
• James Milton Turner was a man of great faith who believed in the principles of democracy in America. Why are maintaining the values of democracy still important to us as citizens today?
• James Milton Turner gave a life of service to his country and his community. Who exemplifies these qualities to you? An entertainer? An athlete? An author?

All Ages