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Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Sam Gil
Camillus House
305-374-1065 ext. 328 (office)
samgil@camillus.org • www.camillus.org
CAMILLUS HOUSE DEBUTS NEW EXHIBITION OF BLACK SEMINOLES, CREATED BY MIAMI HISTORIAN DR. MARVIN DUNN
MIAMI – Camillus House will present the debut of a new film and exhibition about the Black Seminoles, A Vision of Red Bays, during a reception to be held on Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lyric Theatre, 819 Northwest Second Avenue. The film and exhibition were assembled by noted Miami historian Dr. Marvin Dunn.
After its June 10 debut, Dr. Dunn’s A Vision of Red Bays exhibition will be installed as a permanent exhibition for public viewing at a Camillus House facility. The accompanying film has been presented to various television networks for potential national distribution.
In the early 19th Century, a small band of Black slaves who escaped from plantations in Georgia and South Carolina forged new lives among the Seminoles in Florida before fleeing in open canoes across the Florida Straits to Andros Island, Bahamas. When they reached Andros Island, they established an isolated community that they called Red Bays.
More than 100 Black Seminoles settled during the 1820’s at Red Bays, where they were allowed to live in freedom by the British government. Today, the descendants of the Black Seminoles carry on many of the traditions of their ancestors.
In 2007, Camillus House commissioned Dr. Dunn to make the documentary film about this unique community, and to collect photographs and artwork reflecting the history and current life among the Red Bays. The resulting 20-minute film details the fascinating developments of a unique sub-culture, while the art exhibit features distinctive woodcarvings and basketry made by Red Bays artists.
According to Dr. Dunn, the Red Bay weavings are particularly distinctive, reflecting African influences in Red Bays culture. Woodcarvings by internationally recognized artist Henry Wallace, whose work has been displayed at the Smithsonian, will be featured. An accompanying photographic exhibit showing the lives and work of Red Bays residents also will be posted.
Media are encouraged to attend the “invitation-only” June 10 reception and debut of A Vision of Red Bays, which will be closed to the general public. For more information and interview opportunities with Dr. Dunn, call David Stiefel at 305-448-1456, ext. 11.
