Eliza Film Screening & Panel Discussion

Based upon extraordinary true events, this is the story of Eliza Rone, an enslaved woman who, in 1856, worked for the richest family in St. Louis – the Campbells. Eliza’s enslaver, Robert Campbell, was a member of Washington University’s Board of Directors, and his sons attended WashU.

As part of its efforts to examine and address the university’s historical entanglements with slavery, the WashU & Slavery project is hosting a free screening of the historical short dramatic film Eliza. The screening will be followed by a discussion with panelists including the film’s co-director and co-writer, Delisa Richardson; Executive Director of the Campbell House Museum, Andy Hahn; and actors Kazia Steele (Eliza Rone), Meg Davis (Virginia Campbell), Tom Taylor (Robert Campbell).

Eliza recently premiered during the 23rd annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase in July. The film won awards for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Actress Kazia Steele in the lead role.

Free and open to all.

Co-sponsored by University Libraries, WashU & Slavery Project, Circa 87 Productions, Campbell House Museum, the Department of African and African American Studies, and the Department of Film and Media Studies.

Archives of Resistance Event Series

The Archives of Resistance event series immerses participants in the history of people who resisted slavery and oppression through stories that are emerging from the archives. 

Through short film, advocacy work, exhibitions, and access to primary sources, participants will gain understanding and contribute to the preservation of important collections and research. 

Discover the carefully-researched story of Eliza Rone’s pursuit of freedom in a short film; celebrate Frederick Douglass’s birthday by helping to make his papers accessible to all online, view the Slavery in St. Louis and other related exhibitions and learn about William Wells Brown’s anti-slavery publications held in Special Collections.