Catherine Schreiber, Producer-Catherine Schreiber Productions, upper left, many thanks to Ms. Schreiber for making this a most memorable event and for her support in the Scottsboro Boys Museum project.
Wednesday, Dec 8, 2010 Ms. Sheila Washington and myself traveled to New York City to see the Scottsboro Boys play and participate in the play "talk-back." Ms. Cathy Horton Garret, granddaughter of Judge Horton and Ms. Lecia Brooks, Curator of the Southern Poverty Law Center Museum joined us in New York. The Thursday night play was sold out, standing room only. At the plays end there was a standing ovation which lasted for several minutes.
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All of this was made possible by one of the producers of the Scottsboro Boys Show, Catherine Schreiber. The "show" brought us to New York for the Thursday evening "Talk-back Session" after the musical performance.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/momsandthecity/2010/12/broadway.html Many thanks to Mrs. Schreiber for her work, a memorable experiance in which we have made new friends.
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We participated in a "talk back" after the play Thursday night, discussing the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center. Video's of the talk back...
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There was earlier controversy and protest in New York concerning the minstrel portrayal of the case relating to such a serious matter. The Scottsboro Boys Museum staff reply then and now, "out of controversy comes the opportunity for education and further opportunity to address the issue of racism, part of our mission for the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LUeDPeZcg&feature=player_embedded .
None of us, after seeing the play, believe this play is a negative portrayal of African American History. The play utilized dramatic license to emphasize a point in our history which was reflective of Jim Crow America and the struggles of African Americans in our nation. The minstrel show was a segment of early 20th century African American history.
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One of the most brilliant parts of the play and the plays last scene was the portrayal of Rosa Parks sitting on the front of the bus, being told to sit in the back, the bus driver says, "you can't sit here," her reply was, " I think I'll stay right here and rest my weary feet," the stage darkened and the show ended. A most brilliant ending to the show. Ms. Rosa Parks related in her biography, the "Scottsboro Boys" gave her the courage to take action.
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We have suggested to Mrs. Schreiber she should bring the show to the south, to include Scottsboro (maybe The Lyceum at Northeast College), Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta, Chattanooga, etc. Their travel to Jackson County Alabama and the southern states is a very real possibility.
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Catherine, many thanks for this opportunity, we have made new friends and look forward to meeting once again.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/NguzoSaba.shtml
(Picture-The Official Kwanzaa Web Site)
