‘First Friday’ at Katy Depot to Feature Presentation on Freed Slaves in MO

The Katy Depot will host the fourth 'First Friday' event of the season on August 4.

This Friday will feature guest speaker, Dr. Gladys Caines-Coggswell.

According to a press release from the Katy Depot, Caines-Coggswell will be portraying Adeline, a slave in Savannah, Missouri who was present to hear Abraham Lincoln debate political opponent Stephen Douglas in 1858.

The press release says that Caines-Coggwell has been named a 'Master Storyteller' by the Missouri Folk Arts Program, and has been honored with a host of other awards, including an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the University of Missouri, St. Louis. Her book, Stories from the Heart: Missouri’s African American Heritage received the Missouri Humanities Council’s Outstanding Achievement in Literacy award in 2010.

Refreshments for the event will be served at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation at 6:00. 'First Friday' events are open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required by Thursday, August 3.

A $5 suggested donation will be taken at the door. Reservations can be made by calling 826-2932.