Historical Reenactor: Since college, I have written historical narratives focusing on the African American Experience. It was not a huge step to convey those stories through reenactments. When I Was in Africa became one of the most requested presentations, which I have now retitled African American Voices.
African American Voices (When I Was in Africa)
AN AFRICAN AMERICAN JOURNEY: 4 Women
African American Journey tells the story of four women: The Narrator, the Slave Woman, The Maid, and The Graduate. Each woman tells of her joys, sorrows, and triumphs beginning with the African Slave Trade through the Emancipation Proclamation. This presentation has been performed for more than 30 years in many schools, churches and family reunions. The characters reveal details and emotions about their experiences not revealed in history books. Telling our stories through the eyes of those who lived it reaches the listener far beyond a book lesson. It is my hope that those who have heard these stories will want to delve deeper into our history.
Portraits of Harriet Tubman
This portrait presents scenes in the life of Harriet Tubman from her childhood to her escape to freedom and the events that led her to become the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. This presentation has been requested numerous times and presented in public schools. Part of the presentation allows the students to ask questions of the heroine while she remains in character. It is fascinating to see how involved they become when responding to an open history book.
Portraits of Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks was a phenomenal woman who seldom received the credit for her work as a Civil Rights Activist. It was not just the act of refusing to yield her seat to a white man December 2, 1955, but it was her courageousness and determination to help in other atrocities, such as the sexual assault or gang rape of Recy Taylor in 1944. The N.A.A.C.P. sent Rosa Parks to investigate the matter.
These reenactments have been a part of my artistry for more than 50 years to date, and I will continue to do them as a way of bringing a certain portion of African American History to light and life.
This reenactment and tribute to Civil Rights Activist ROSA PARKS has been performed numerous times before college students and senior citizens. In this presentation, the audience learns more about Rosa than refusing to yield her seat to a white passenger on a bus. The reenactment tells her story from childhood to the bus ride and the social injustices surrounding her entire life that inspired her courage and tenacity.