Of about 36 structures that comprised Little Liberia, only the homes of sisters Mary and Eliza Freeman survive on original foundations. Little Liberia (known as Ethiope then Liberia in the 1800s), was a seafaring community of free people of color. It boasted - a luxurious seaside resort hotel for wealthy Blacks (cited in a letter to Frederick Douglass), Bridgeport’s first free lending library, a school for colored children, businesses, fraternal organizations, and churches. Mary & Eliza Freeman were accomplished business women. When Mary Freeman died, the only Bridgeporter of greater wealth was legendary showman P.T. Barnum. The Freeman Houses are listed on the National Register of Historic Places for their significance to African Americans and Women.

Voices Café has been a committed supporter of social justice programs throughout the years. We are pleased to announce that a portion of the proceeds for this performance will benefit the Mary and Eliza Freeman Center in Bridgeport Ct. The mission of the Center is to “…facilitate the preservation and revitalization of African American and greater Bridgeport historic/preservation communities.”
The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community (freemancenterbpt.org)