For Immediate Release

FEBRUARY 20, 2008

 

THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION HISTORIC INAUGURAL GALA

DINNER and FUNDRAISER HONORING DRED SCOTT

Febuary 2008:  St. Louis, MO ... The Old Court House in St. Louis Missouri was the epicenter of the historic Dred Scott Case, the effects of which rippled their way to the Supreme Court of the United States resulting in the infamous decision that became a major catalyst for the Civil War and a directional change for our nation. That change paved the way for generations of Americans to advocate for civil rights.

As the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Case comes to a close, the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation is hosting an inaugural Gala Fundraiser, co-sponsored by Bryan Cave LLP, Saturday, March 15th at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ball Park, Broadway and Market Street beginning at 5:30 PM. All tickets for the event are $75.00.

The Gala is the beginning of a life-long continued celebration of the changes that resulted for the sacrifices and determination of Dred and Haririet Scott. In the spirit of the foundation's motto, "Let the Healing Begin," and to further mark Dred and Harriet Scott's place in history, the Foundation is raising funds for a statue it hopes will find a prominent place near the Old Court House. The Scotts left an undeniable mark on history, yet few physical memories exsist in their honor.

Their hope is that Dred and Harriet's story, and the statue, will not only make a mark on the landscape, but also on peoples' hearts. "The quiet strength and resolve they exhibited to free their family, ultimately freed a people," said Lynne M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott, who is Chair of the foundation and leader of the year-long anniversary commemoration of the Dred Scott case.

"It's been a tremendous year, beyond our expectations, to tell the story of Dred and Harriet Scott," said Jackson.

The Gala is a fitting end to a new beginning. In the spirit of the foundation's motto, Dr. John M. Perkins, author and well-known leader of racial reconciliation, will be the special guest speaker. Dr. Perkins almost lost his life years ago because of a racial division but chose to focus his life on reconciliation rather than hate.

The Gala will prove to be an evening full of surprises. In addition to Dr. Perkins, the foundation anticipates remarks by Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Laura Denver Stith, a special performance by Emmy Award winning storyteller, Bobby Norfolk, as the spirit of Dred Scott, musical entertainment, newly discovered genealogical information about the Dred Scott family to be shared, publicly, for the first time, and original musical from "The Dream," a musical about the Scott's ordeal, forgotten and now shared anew.

Honorary Co-Chairs for the 150th Anniversary were The Honorable John C. Danforth, a partner at Bryan Cave LLP, Mr. Dick Bott, Sr. of Bott Radio Network, and Dr. Perkins of The Perkins Foundation.

Anniversary and Dinner Co-Chairs are Lynne M. Jackson, General Services Manager at Bryan Cave LLP, and Gerald Brooks, Marketing Director for the St. Louis Public Library.

Tickets for the gala event are $75.00. Reservations for individuals and tables of 10 are being taken. Send check or money order with names and a phone number by March 10th to: The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, Dinner Gala, 211 North Broadway, Suite 3600, St. Louis, MO 63102.

Black tie is optional.

For additional information regarding the Foundation or the Gala please contact Lynn Jackson @ 314-259-2307