The John Brown Project Officially Becomes a Nonprofit Organization
Revolutionizing Historical Education Through Art, Music, and Storytelling
Torrington, [Dec 18] – The John Brown Project is proud to announce its official transition to a nonprofit organization, building on a legacy of innovation in historical education and cultural storytelling. Founded in Torrington, the birthplace of both John Brown, the organization continues to redefine how history is taught and understood. This milestone is a significant step in its mission to produce and distribute truth-in-history informational media using art, plain language, and primary sources.
The board of directors includes Daniel Morrison, founder and chairman, a multimedia journalist in Torrington, CT; Emily Samons, Secretary, a Human Resources professional in Chicago, IL; Chris Barlow, Treasurer, a digital operations specialist and executive director of the Berlin Equity Action team in Berlin, CT; Johanna Dezurick, a semi-retired public school administrator in Torrington, CT; and Rev. Angaza Mwando, a pastor and civil rights leader in Torrington, CT. The board is joined by a handful of volunteer staff with solid professional experience: Shane Scully, a video/audio producer/editor and photographer, Kareem Holbrook, a drone pilot, photographer, and video producer, Liz Roach, a business development professional, and John Forster, a professional media coordinator and manager.
"I am thrilled about the highly qualified and deeply authentic team who have chosen to step forward and volunteer for this important startup effort," remarks Morrison in a recent Browniac Digest blog post at johnbrownproject.org, "we should be able to build a solid media organization on the organizational building blocks designed by this exceptional group of people."
The announcement comes on the heels of national and regional recognition for its groundbreaking work, the film His Truth is Marching On, which earned the 2024 Award of Excellence from the American Association of State and Local History. This celebrated documentary explores American music history from 1619 to hip-hop through the lens of the Civil War song John Brown's Body. The success of this film underscores the Project's unique approach, using storytelling, music, and culturally relevant narratives to teach history. "Our mission is to make history come alive in ways that resonate deeply with modern audiences, using the power of art and music to connect the past with the present," says Morrison.
The John Brown Project plans to build on this momentum through a few current initiatives:
Another musical documentary film, Pushing the Rock, which looks at systemic racism through stories of under appreciated American heroes using music, scholarship, drama, primary sources, and comedy.
Multimedia educational packages for schools to enhance civic education.
Partnerships with educators and cultural organizations nationwide, like the Black Banjo Reclamation Project
"History is not just a record of what happened; it’s a guide for what we can become," Morrison said. Through its innovative educational content, the John Brown Project strives to bring people closer to understanding history’s relevance and impact. The John Brown Project invites educators, history enthusiasts, and community members to join its mission. Donations, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities play a vital role in expanding the reach of this transformative work.
"We aim to fully inform the citizenry—to strengthen our multiracial democracy and realize a more perfect union," adds Morrison.