Black History Month: Henry ‘Box’ Brown to be the Focus of February 2 Meeting

In honor of Black History Month, Ohio magician Rory Rennick will tell the story of Henry “Box” Brown at our Feb. 2 meeting and demonstrate some magic of the period. This will be a virtual meeting; members will receive a link in advance via email.

Henry “Box” Brown was a Virginia slave who earned his nickname after he literally mailed himself to freedom inside a wooden box addressed to a Philadelphia abolitionist.

He later become a public speaker, and in 1850 fled to England where he became an illusionist and conjuror. He returned in 1875 with a family and a magic act, which he continued performing in the United States until the late 1880s.

Here is what Rory says about his presentation:

My Henry “Box” Brown Zoom presentation has been universally enjoyed, as it gives the viewers a chance to see a portion of a pre-recorded segment with me as Henry interacting with a live lay audience. My Zoom presentation with your Ring will continue with a provocative Q & A, followed by a video magic tribute. With our lecture we will discuss some of the magic in the presentation. I will conclude with the giving away of valuable gifts–in Henry “Box” Brown fashion. I believe that this will be the most inspiring lecture your Ring will experience for a while. I want them to realize that wherever they are in their magic interest- they can overcome more than they could imagine!

Rory, a.k.a. “The Magistic” is a popular comedy and motivational magician who performs for corporate clients, school shows and magic groups.

His style of performing has been described as “Eddie Murphy meets David Blaine, with a little Mind Freak to boot. From the silly to the sophisticated, Rory weaves sleight-of-hand with sleight-of-mind magic laced with interactive comedy.”

For nearly 20 years Rory has performed professionally as a magician following a 15-year career in the mental health field. The first 10 years of his magic career were spent honing his craft as a comedy magician in almost every imaginable venue and audience. He was the first magician to regularly host his own family shows at the national Funnybone Comedy Club and Restaurant chain.

 For the next decade Rory combined his acting, motivational speaking, and prestidigitation skills to bring the incredible story of the slave-turned-magic entertainer Henry “Box” Brown to life for tens of thousands. In 2013 Rory wrote and was featured in the full-length stage play “Delivery, The Henry Box Brown Show.” Rory is author of the highly acclaimed book Henry “Box” Brown’s Legacy and My Life With Him.” The commemorative book has received glowing reviews in Genii and MUM magazines.  

Rory was a consultant and voiceover artist featured on the award-winning documentary: Quiet Masters – The History and Relevance of the Black Magical Artist, where Henry’s story was prominently featured. He is a founding member and historian of the International Association of Black Magical Artists and considered one of the foremost authorities on the history of African American magicians.

Rory has also performed and lectured as an arts educator with the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and We’ve Known Rivers. He is also a member of the Ohio Storytellers Network and the Ohio Local History Alliance.

Among Rory’s other varied interests are collecting, as well as speaking and writing about the world’s largest niche assemblage of African diaspora/ black imaged playing cards, which he owns. Some of his articles about his card research can be found in Card Culture and Vanish Magazine.

Be sure not to miss this unusual and informative meeting.