Sketch I: Life for Black People in the 1800’s
We begin with an introduction to Frances E.W. Harper, as she sings “ Hush, hush, somebody’s calling my name…..”
Choreography: Marion Hamermesh. Music: Ralph Russell. Poetry: Mine to Mouth by Glenis Redmond. Dancers: Monique Bland, LaChelle Dickenson, Amber Rance, Alana Romero, Adiah Simpson, Amber Spivey, Luis Mulero, Omari Senior, Monique Relacion, and Kennedy Davis.
The Blessed Hope (1846)
Choreography: Lynnette Young Overby and dancers. Music: Ralph Russell. Poetry performed by Glenis Redmond. Dancers: Monique Bland, LaChelle Dickenson, Amber Rance, Alana Romero, Adiah Simpson, Amber Spivey, Luis Mulero, Omari Senior, and Kennedy Davis.
Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
Choreography: Desiree Cocroft. Music: Ralph Russell. Dancers: Monique Bland, LaChelle Dickenson, Amber Rance, Omari Senior, and Kennedy Davis.
The Slave Mother (1854)
Choreography: Lynnette Young Overby and Adiah Simpson. Music: Ralph Russell. Poetry: Frances E.W. Harper. Dancers: Adiah Simpson and Alana Romero.
Jubilee – Emancipation!
Choreography: Terlene Terry-Todd. Music: Ralph Russell. Poetry: Frances E.W. Harper from Sketches of Southern Life (1873). Dancers: Monique Bland, LaChelle Dickenson, Amber Rance, Adiah Simpson, Amber Spivey, Luis Mulero, Omari Senior, and Kennedy Davis.