The Value of a Man: Wiley Mabry and His Mark on Knoxville

The story of Wiley Mabry offers a celebratory yet sobering tale of the lengths enslaved African-Americans took to obtain their freedom. Only fragments exist from Wiley's life, yet an 1872 Southern Claims Commission report reveals a fascinating and powerful detail about him: Wiley Mabry bought himself.

Since discovering this fascinating story, more details about Wiley and his experiences after his self-emancipation have emerged. From political activism to marriage, family, and beyond, join Patrick Hollis to hear Wiley's story, learn about Black life in Knoxville during the 1870s, and understand Hollis's research process into the fragmentary evidence sketching Wiley's life.

Admission is FREE. Join us!

You may also like the following events from Mabry-Hazen House:

• Next Thursday, 19th June, 11:00 am, ...And Then I Became Free: Stories of Emancipation at Mabry-Hazen House in Knoxville
• This month, 24th June, 09:00 am, Summer Time on the Hill: A Program for Young Ladies in Knoxville
• Next month, 4th July, 05:00 pm, Fourth of July on Mabry's Hill in Knoxville

Also check out other Arts events in Knoxville, Fine Arts events in Knoxville.