The 2008 Inaugural Gala
Dred Scott 150th Anniversary Brings Honor to Famous Slaves


March 6, 2007 began what became an international acknowledgement of a historic ruling made 150 years earlier. When Dred and Harriet Scott, two slaves from St. Louis, walked up the steps of The Old Courthouse on 4th Street on April 6, 1846, they were unaware of what was about to be set in motion with the filing of their separate but similar petitions requesting their freedom. Having lived in free territory for several years, the Scotts had just reason to believe that the “once free, always free” law would justify them in their suit. Eleven years later their combined case had advanced through the courts to the United States Supreme Court. It was the first time slaves had persisted in taking a case all the way to the US Supreme Court. There were dangers from not only white people, but their own who wondered why they had to risk making things worse for African Americans. In an incredulous ruling Chief Justice Roger B. Taney read the majority opinion - a ruling that denied the Scotts their freedom.

The verdict incited the North, but for more reasons than the refusal of the Scotts freedom. Aside from the unfortunate and untrue assessment of the Scotts as individuals, the language was harsh and demeaning. Then, to make matters worse, the Court declared the Missouri Compromise as unconstitutional, denying Congress the right to have made the law and opened the nation to the right of slavery from coast to coast. In addition, the ruling deemed the Scotts not be citizens (thus having no right to sue in court) and denied citizenship to those of African descent who were already considered citizens “and to their heirs forever.” This outlandish ruling was one of the catalysts that brought on the Civil War.

As for the Scotts, their fate did not lie in the hands of the courts but in the hands of the Almighty. There was a wonderful turn of events that, although difficult to understand at the time, worked for good for the Scotts who endured the hardships of five trials over an 11 year period. Peter Blow, one of the children of Dred’s original owner, was instrumental in helping Dred and Harriet financially by various means throughout their trials. And, in the end, another child Taylor Blow, paid the freedom bonds for the Scotts and their daughters, Eliza and Lizzie, to be free.

During this anniversary year, the story came alive again and the sacrifices and courage of this couple’s convictions were remembered with a new appreciation.

I am blessed to be the General Services Manager at Bryan Cave LLP going on twelve years now. In this premier international law firm, located in downtown St. Louis, we are able look out our windows on the southeast side of the building and see the historic Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott trial took place. The 266 attorneys and 350 staff members of Bryan Cave have been an integral part of this years’ Dred Scott Anniversary celebration with the total support of Chairman, Don Lents. Their support has been immeasurable in this historic recognition of my great-great grandparents and our family will be forever thankful.

 

The Anniversary

The anniversary year planning began in mid 2005. I remembered my father, John A. Madison, Jr. telling me that although the 100th Anniversary was acknowledged, it was done so quietly for the most part and by relatively few. The Old Courthouse did a reenactment of the trial which received notice. But there were few photographs taken and very few people in those photos. By contrast, the 150th Anniversary was acknowledged by over 50 local organizations in St. Louis who came together to form the Friends of the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. In 2006, my parents and I formed the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, with the pro bono support of Bryan Cave. The Friends have now met monthly for over 24 months and planned their own commemorative events and programs which we promoted under the foundation umbrella.

Among the many, many highlights of the 150th Anniversary celebration were:

• New Dred Scott exhibit halls and a new History Channel program on the Dred Scott case in the Old Courthouse;

• A three day Dred Scott symposium hosted by Washington University, led by Dr. David Konig;

• The Black Rep performing over 40 times a specially commissioned play entitled No Land’s Man: The Struggles of Dred and Harriet Scott produced by Ron Himes;

• My addressing attendees at a three day symposium on Dred Scott hosted by Harvard University;

• My being a guest speaker at the 2007 conference of the National Association of Attorneys General;

• My speaking to the senior class of East St. Louis Sr. High at a ribbon pinning ceremony;

• Watching my father pull the cover off of an honorary street sign, Dred Scott Way, on Fourth Street in front of the Old Courthouse;

• And receiving resolutions from the Southern Baptist Convention on the city, state and national levels renouncing the Dred Scott Decision and committing to work for unity and reconciliation.

• In addition, Dred is the first American of African descent to have received a star on the Walk of Fame last April in Marshfield, MO and the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation honored Dred and Harriet with a diamond in their Walk of Fame this past September.


Gala Marquee


A Gala Event

On March 15, 2008 we ended the anniversary year with a gala dinner and fund raiser at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ball Park to help further the goals of the Foundation. What people have to understand is how faithful the Lord was in all of this. With meager funds and obedience to the will and blueprint that the Lord had provided, the wonderful Friends group (see www.TheDredScottFoundation.org/friends.html for a list of organizations) made the year and gala a success beyond what we could have imagined.

Key volunteers included Gerald Brooks, from the St. Louis Public Library who co-chaired with me, Ken Mallin, Partner at Bryan Cave, who was the dinner coordinator, and Belleville attorney Dave Uhler, all of whom helped me with the day to day details. Chanin Paxton of Scott Air Force Base continues to be the most faithful administrative assistant ever. Among all of the individuals, organizations and participants, there was a sweetest Spirit of unity, cooperation and consideration which honored the Scotts in every aspect. It was a joy to work with each and every one of them.

The guest speaker at the banquet was Dr. John M. Perkins who is a renowned minister of reconciliation. He delivered a heartfelt message of forgiveness and the need of a Savior, Jesus Christ, as the way to healing the brokenness between the races. Afterwards, many commented on Dr. Perkins’ and the programs’ focus on family.

Bobby Norfolk, Emmy winning storyteller and performer, gave a stirring performance as the spirit of Dred Scott. The mistress of ceremonies was the gracious Bonita Cornute of Fox 2 News. The evening was spent sharing a song from a new musical about the Scotts; a presentation of never before revealed information about the children and grandchildren of Dred and Harriet which was researched by Etta Daniels, Ruth Ann Hagar and others with oral histories I contributed from my dad and his sister, Alma Miller; and the previewing of a beautiful trailer for an upcoming educational documentary called The Price of Power, which was produced and filmed by Linda and Bruce VanReed as they covered the anniversary year.

A special treat happened when four students from East St. Louis Senior High School joined with four students from Mary Institute – Country Day and performed the reading chorus of Black Man, to a song by Stevie Wonder which detailed the contributions of white, black, red and yellow men, proclaiming “This world was made for all men!”

In March of 1852, in the third trial, the Missouri Supreme Court denied the Scotts their freedom and said essentially that Missouri was willing to accept the consequences of slavery within her borders. One-hundred and fifty years later, the current Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, Laura Denver Stith, who attended our banquet shared her personal insights, denouncing that decision. Her presence and perspective were especially meaningful. Also in attendance were Justices Michael Wolff and Richard Teitleman.

A total of 425 attended the banquet and I have to tip my hat to Chef Phillip Paris and Sales and Catering Manager Emily Fink of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ball Park for designing a meal so incredibly delicious that there wasn’t a morsel left on anyone’s plate. They researched what slaves would have eaten in the 1850’s and they hit a home run!

 

The Foundation

The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation was started with the following objectives: 1.) To commemorate the 150th anniversary, which includes erecting a statue of Dred Scott in downtown St. Louis; 2.) To educate everyone about the history and impact of Dred and Harriet Scott’s courageous stand, all of which is OUR history and; 3.) To reconcile and begin initiatives that will support our motto which is, “Let the Healing Begin.”

Our Honorary co–chairs this year have been three men who were kind enough to support this anniversary representing three major areas of relevance: The Honorable John C. Danforth, Partner at Bryan Cave LLP (Legal), Mr. Dick Bott, Sr., Founder of Bott Radio Network (Religion), and Dr. John M. Perkins, Founder of the Perkins Foundation and Christian Community Development Association (Reconciliation). We are truly thankful for their support. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Bryan Cave were Dred Scott Freedom Level Sponsors and helped in a most significant way in promoting the anniversary. They made it possible to accomplish our dream.

The gala dinner was a fundraiser to start raising money for the Dred Scott statue to be placed near the Old Courthouse. There is no statue of Dred that I am aware of and surely there should be a monument to his remembrance in his own city. The Dred Scott Project is a plan to provide such a monument and a place for the Foundation to carry out its mission and vision. Contributions are tax deductible and we would appreciate the support of the public by sending donations to: The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 2009, Florissant, MO 63032-2009.

In all this, the Lord’s Name is to be praised. He has done an amazing thing and we intend to continue to seek His face and do His will as He has ordained. This was His doing and the blessings that happened this past year are known by those involved. We give thanks to the Lord always, for He has done great things!

 

 

 

 

Dred Scott

We invite you to become a Friend of Dred Scott...

Explore the facts about The Dred Scott Decision and share them with your family, friends and community and learn about those who have been affected by this landmark "decision" throughout history..

The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation welcomes your pledge of a contribution to advance our outreach and advocacy efforts.

Thank you in advance for your tax deductible donation to The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. Please mail your payment to:

The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation
P. O. Box 2009
Florissant, MO 63032-2009

— OR —

For your convenience, we've provided a link to our private PayPal account below. Thank You.

 
The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation Memorial Fund



To memorialize the ultimate impact of the Dred Scott Decision, we are working to develop, fund and install a likeness of Dred and Harriet Scott in the City of St. Louis. Information on how you can become involved will be forthcoming. Please watch for Dred Scott Heritage Foundation Memorial Fund announcements.

 
Dred Scott Commemorative Envelop

The "Authentic" Dred Scott Commemorative U.S. Post Mark cancellation stamp makes for an affordable and attractive gift.

Own "our" history today. Purchase the Limited Edition Commemorative Envelope Cache for only $5.00 while supplies last! To purchase, please send check or money order for $5.00 plus $3.00 S&H to:

The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation
P. O. Box 2009
Florissant, MO 63032-2009

Photo Galleries