Highland Community College to Host The Soil Project Event

Documentarian Danairo Thomas to share stories of Freeport's Black history pioneers

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Highland Community College's Clarence Mitchell Library will host 'The Soil Project: Stories rooted in Freeport's Black history,' a free public event on February 24, 2026. Documentarian Danairo Thomas, a Freeport native, will present information about The Soil Project, a documentary storytelling initiative dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the history of Black pioneers in Freeport.

Why it matters

The Soil Project aims to shed light on untold stories and historical milestones of Freeport's Black community through extensive research, interviews, and exploration of cultural contributions. This event provides an opportunity for the public to learn about the significant impact of local Black changemakers whose influence extends beyond the city.

The details

Danairo Thomas has taught Black history to more than 1,500 students in Freeport schools and produced 'Letter to My City,' a visual tribute to his hometown. The Soil Project event at Highland Community College is free and open to the public.

  • The event is set for 10 a.m. on February 24, 2026.

The players

Danairo Thomas

A Freeport native and documentarian who created The Soil Project to highlight local Black changemakers.

Highland Community College

The host of the 'The Soil Project: Stories rooted in Freeport's Black history' event at the Clarence Mitchell Library.

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What they’re saying

“The Soil Project aims to shed light on untold stories and historical milestones through extensive research, interviews and exploration of cultural contributions.”

— Danairo Thomas, Documentarian

The takeaway

This event provides an important opportunity for the public to learn about the significant contributions and impact of Freeport's Black pioneers, whose stories have often been overlooked or untold.