Join us as we continue to celebrate the Tubman Bicentennial with a special performance of “One Soul at a Time” by Mate Masie.

Based on Quraysh Ali Lansana’s collection of poems from his book “They Shall Run,” hear the story of Harriet Tubman and her life leading freedom takers to the Promised Land. The mountains, the gun she carried, the dogs in pursuit, and her first husband (John Tubman) all lend their words to this musical telling.

“Mate Masie” (ma-tea/ma-say) in the Akan language of the Ashanti people of Ghana, West Africa means “I listen and I understand.”

The Mate Masie Ensemble creates original music, reflective of African-American musical forms such as Spirituals, Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Rap to give voice to African, African-American and African Diaspora Literature. Founded in 2006 by Griot/Creative Director Vanessa Johnson and Musical Director Bernie Williford, the Ensemble collaborates with writers to turn their prose into sung performances. “Mate Masie” uses a diverse talent pool of musicians from the Central New York Region to create both informative and entertaining programs.

This program is free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted.

Support for this program is provided by the City of Auburn’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation of funds to support the City of Auburn Historic and Cultural Sites Commission's Harriet Tubman Bicentennial project with a goal of boosting the recovery from the pandemic for the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry.