The Portsmouth Public Library will present a dramatic performance of the life of Harriet Tubman, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.

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Ryan Scott Ottney

PDT Staff Writer

The Portsmouth Public Library is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War, Oct. 15 through Nov. 10, with a special performance dramatizing the life of Harriet Tubman.

“It is a dramatic telling of her life and her role in the Civil War. I will be portraying her role as a spy with poetry and drama,” said Portia Williams, who will be portraying Tubman in the performance.

She said Tubman was also known as “Moses” because she “led her people to the promised land,” including 300 passengers through the Underground Railroad.

“I got interested in her life as a child just because of her courage and her determination to be able to do what she did against so many odds. Then as an adult I have likened myself to her as a minister of the Gospel, preaching and teaching the Gospel as the Bible teachers to set the captives free,” she said

“A Portrait of the Life of Harriet Tubman” will be performed at the Portsmouth Public Library, on Gallia Street, on Tuesday, Oct. 16, beginning at 6 p.m. Joining Williams will be Portsmouth Mayor David Malone, singing spirituals with members of his Kingdom Builders Church. An open-mic will also be available for anyone who would like to present their own public readings of Harriet Tubman or the Civil War.

“This is something that’s very important. We should always find a way to recognize our history and how it impacts our lives even up to this point. If events didn’t occur in those times, we wouldn’t even have the freedom and liberties that we do today,” Williams said.

The performance is free for the public to attend.

Ryan Scott Ottney can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 235, or rottney@heartlandpublications.com.