Elizabeth Keckley, a woman born into slavery in 1818 who ended up becoming a seamstress, civil activist and author, will be portrayed in a performance hosted by the Mattoon Arts Council.

Keckley will be portrayed by Kathryn Harris of Springfield, Ill.

According to a press release, the performance is planned by the Academy of Lifelong Learning and made possible by a grant from the Coles County Arts Council.

Harris’ performance will be in the Mattoon Train Station on 1718 Broadway. It is free and open to the public.

In the press release, it says the Academy of Lifelong Learning of Eastern gives community members opportunities for non-credit learning, volunteering and on-campus audit class options.

It is open to all adult learners.

For more information about the Academy, those interested can go to www.eiu.edu/adulted/all.php, or contact by phone 217-581-5114.

The News staff can be reached at 581-2812 or denenwsdesk@gmail.com.

_­