Millie-Christine McCoy

We have elected Barack Obama, the first African-American president, who reminded us in his acceptance speech that America is a place where all things are possible! An earlier American story is that of Millie-Christine (1851-1912), conjoined twins born into slavery in North Carolina. They were sold several times and exhibited on stage in England and the U.S., but then were acquired by showman Joseph Pearson Smith, who reunited them with their mother and taught them how to read, write, sing, dance, and play the piano. They became accomplished stage performers, learned five languages, and toured the world for thirty years--eventually meeting Queen Victoria!