Celebrating the New Black Rennaissance in Pennsylvania

This weekend I joined cast and crew from HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown at Sankofa's production of Black Nativity, a glorious, soul-stirring gospel play written by one of my favorite poets -- Langston Hughes. Our beloved Zari McCullers, who gave a rousing performance in HairStory, is a harpist, and she shared that angelic talent in Black Nativity this weekend at the West Shore Theatre. (Below: Zari performing the poem "Clean" in HairStory)

I swear, if I hadn't just had abdominal surgery 12 days prior, I would have done a full-fledged 'holy dance' in the aisles. I opened my mouth and heard my late grandmother yell, "Thank ya, Lawd!" The show was fantastic and Zari's talents are awe-inspiring. (Might I also say I was beaming with pride in seeing some of my former students on stage and backstage as well? I'm so happy for them!) Even my mentor and worship leader from back in my twenties led the soul-stirring production. I was in Heaven, y'all!

More Zari News

Zari McCullers has been nominated for a regional award for "Best Supporting Performer in a Play" for her role in HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown. Keya Perry and Kevin Williams are also nominated! Vote here: Broadway World

Watching Black Nativity with my family and friends was the greatest gift I could ask for during this roller coaster of a holiday season! Though Harrisburg's Black Nativity is over, you can see it in Philadelphia before Christmas! I assure you, it will be worth the road trip. December 20th - the 24th, John Graves' Productions will perform Black Nativity by Langston Hughes. Click here for more information: https://www.johngravesproductions.org/blacknativity.

Upcoming Events

Lastly, please join me for one of our upcoming events. For Kwanzaa week, I'll be leading a virtual "We Wear the Mask" poetry writing workshop. December 30th at 11 am on Zoom, You'll learn about the meanings behind ancestral masks, and use figurative language to express who you are with your mask, or without it. The link will be on Eventbrite shortly, and I'll do this for a donation to the HairStory: On Tour Kickstarter campaign. (Or you can just donate without the cool workshop!)

Another upcoming event is our community Kwanzaa celebration in Harrisburg PA at the Camp Curtain school gymnasium. This event has gone on for years in the area and always features great vendors, performers, food, and kids' activities. I'll be there with

Roe Braddy, signing books. Also, we're being honored by Life Esteem on December 17th. Check out the flyer below.

Last but certainly not least, you need to go to Broadwayworld.com to vote for HairStory in the Regional Awards. We're up for Best New Play of 2023, Best performer - Alana Cornish and Jovani Lewis, Best supporting performers - Zari McCullers, Keya Perry, Kevin Williams...It goes on and on. Cast your vote before New Year's and let your voice be heard!

Happy Holidays; ~ Maria

www.Reclaimarts.com.