Calendar of Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 20, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT: John Boit; jboit@melwoodglobal.com; (202) 468-9413

Noel Paul Stookey of ‘Peter, Paul & Mary’ to Perform
On Feb. 13 at Montgomery College in Menare Foundation Benefit

Event During Black History Month with Josh White, Jr. and Rev. Elizabeth Stookey to Raise Funds and Awareness for Nonprofit Dedicated to Preserving the Legacy of the Underground Railroad

Silver Spring, MD—Noel Paul Stookey of the legendary folk trio “Peter, Paul & Mary” is coming to Silver Spring on Sunday, Feb. 13, for a benefit concert for the Menare Foundation in support of its mission to preserve the legacy of the Underground Railroad. The concert will be held at Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center, and tickets are available at www.tickets.com.

The Menare Foundation (www.menare.org) is a national nonprofit that works with individuals and organizations to use the legacy of the Underground Railroad as a spark for human potential. Based in Montgomery County, the Menare Foundation operates the 60-acre Button Farm in Germantown, Maryland, which serves as its education center for school and community groups, as well as for the general public.

The event comes as America marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, while February marks Black History Month.

“The idea behind this event was to celebrate how far we have come together, and just how far we can all go if we help each other get there,” Stookey says. “That’s what folk music has always stood for, and that message remains strong, and is still very much needed, in today’s times.”

Stookey, often referred to as “the tall, funny one” of Peter, Paul & Mary, has been playing music and entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Most of those years were spent with Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers performing such iconic songs as “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “The Wedding Song,” and “Blowing in the Wind.”

In addition to Stookey, who has a new album coming out in 2011, the concert will feature celebrated folk singer Josh White, Jr., who uses music to educate school children across America about the Underground Railroad. White’s father, Josh White, Sr., was a noted civil rights activist and folk musician who was considered the closest African American confidant to President Franklin D. Roosevelt—so much so, in fact, that Eleanor Roosevelt became godmother to young Josh White, Jr.

The Rev. Elizabeth Stookey, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, will act as master of ceremonies, creating a framework for the musical offerings with inspirational readings and quotes from many faiths and spiritual leaders. Ordained a Congregational minister, Rev. Stookey served for eight years as the chaplain of prestigious Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. Her work focuses on using love and understanding to eliminate the barriers that cause division and dissension between races, cultures and religions.

The Menare Foundation is also honored to welcome as a special guest to the event Daniel Rasmussen, author of the critically acclaimed new book “American Uprising: The Untold Story of America’s Largest Slave Revolt.” Rasmussen’s book will be available for purchase and signing at the venue. Read more about this incredible moment in American history brought to light by Rasmussen at www.danrasmussen.net.

About the Menare Foundation:
The Menare Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Underground Railroad history, historic sites and environments and to the creation of associated educational programs. Through assistance and training, Menare works with individuals and organizations to use the legacy of the Underground Railroad as a spark for human potential. Menare takes its name from a pass code once used on the Underground Railroad.

The founder of the Menare Foundation, Anthony Cohen, is a premier historian of America’s slave history. He is perhaps best known for shipping himself in a wooden box on Amtrak to recreate an actual escape from slavery in the 19th century. His reenactment led him to be interviewed on “Oprah,” and he later became a consultant to Ms. Winfrey for her role in “Beloved.” Cohen lives in Olney, Maryland.

For more information, visit www.menare.org.