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Sampson Community College welcomes author and educator Dr. Daniel Fountain to campus Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Activities Center Auditorium. The forum will spotlight African American Slavery and Christianity during the American Civil War.

Fountain is the author of Slavery, Civil War, and Salvation: African American Slaves and Christianity, 1830-1870. He is a native of Jacksonville, Fla. but resides in Cary, where he has served as an associate professor and public history director at Meredith College for the past nine years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Stetson University, a master’s degree in American/Public History from UNC-Greensboro, and a doctorate degree in Early American History from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Fountain’s research interests focus on the nineteenth century United States and the US South with a specific interest in the history of slavery and race.

Fountain’s book, which has been published by the distinguished LSU Press, delivers an insightful and in-depth examination into the antebellum slave community and their evolving religious identity and Christian conversion.

Additionally, Fountain has multiple publications to his credit, earning him an appearance on NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” Fountain, who was contacted by research staff of the hit show, helped award-winning actor/director/producer Blair Underwood explore his family roots in Central Virginia in addition to connecting with a distant cousin in the African country of Cameroon. Fountain says it was a unique and rewarding experience to assist in the historical research and connection of Underwood with his ancestors.

Fountain is eager to share his historical research and teachings with the local community, and says he hopes to bring knowledge and insight to traditional history. “I’m a Southerner and have always been curious about the contradictions of traditional historical accounts of slavery and southern culture. I hope to bring a new perspective and interesting interpretation of Christianity, slavery and freedom during the Civil War era.”

For additional information about Dr. Fountain’s upcoming lecture, call 592-8081. The event is free and the general public is invited to attend.