Born in Torrington, his truth is marching on…

A community art project celebrating John Brown’s passion for equality

Upcoming events

Ridgefield Independent Film Festival

May 18, at 11 AM
His Truth is Marching On is part of the Music In Motion film track at
The Prospector Theater,
25 Prospect St, Ridgefield, CT 06877
(203) 438-0136

RSVP
Juneteenth Celebration at St. Paul's on the Green

Sunday, June 16 at 12:30
Join us for a Jubilee celebration, film screening and discussion on equality, inclusion, and John Brown’s place in the 21st century.
St Paul’s on the Green,
60 East Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851

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Berlin Juneteenth Celebration

June 22, 11:00 - 3:00
11:30-12:30: John Mills (Keynote) Discussion of his work with genealogical investigation highlighting the 29th and the CT Freedom Trail

12:45-1:45: Dan Morrison
Film and Presentation: Screening of the documentary His Truth is Marching On with presentation plus Q&A

2:00-3:00 Celebration of Hip-Hop
An educational music collaboration celebrating the journey of the genre

EVENING: Abraham Lincoln reenactment with Howard Wright

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2024 TOUR POSTER

OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

BACKSTORY — In early 2020, Culture 4 A Cause, a NWCT Nonprofit, spearheaded an initiative to produce a song, music video, and documentary film for “John Brown’s Body,” the song that became “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” as a way to promote equality in Torrington, CT.

Torrington is the birthplace of John Brown, an important abolitionist who inspired the song, which was popular among Union soldiers. Brown was a relentless antagonist to the institution of slavery, and his views were learned in Torrington.

In the video, Dan looks behind the project: what, how, and why.

"I liked learning about how music brought people of all races together."

Torrington High School Student
"I thought the best part of the presentation was seeing the evolution of African-American music and how it influenced the music we listen to today."

Torrington High School Student
"Someone from where I currently live tried—and did—help some of my people."

Torrington High School Student
"The most meaningful part of this presentation for me was the pride for Torrington's history that was involved in it. It is interesting because you live in a town and never really consider its place in history."

Torrington High School Student
"I've never felt so alive as an artist than on this project."

Jamie J. Tilley, photographer

The John Brown Project was recognized with a Connecticut League of History Organizations 2023 Award of Merit for the short film His Truth Is Marching On and the supporting explainer videos, Was John Brown A Terrorist? and The Curious, Convoluted, and Controversial History of John Brown’s Body and Battle Hymn of the Republic.

An Award-Winning Documentary Film Project

“The committee loved the project’s irreverent and fun approach to these important historical topics and the way the videos used the history of music to explore social movements in American history that went far beyond Torrington and the life of John Brown ... a wonderful way to reexamine a historical figure, telling an oft-told story in a fresh, fun, and eminently accessible way.

They also admired the project’s focus on African-American resistance and agency in the storytelling—and the clear impact the project was having in the community.”