19th annual ‘Blacks in Wax’ production brings history to life in Washington, D.C.
By Latita Faulk Special to the
The 19th Annual “Blacks in Wax” production took place on March 7 at the Thearc Theatre in Washington D.C., providing a transformative experience for the scholars of Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. The program is more than just a performance- it’s an educational, creative and cultural journey that pushes them to explore talents that they never knew they possessed.
Southeast Tennis and Learning Center serves as the model for successful public-private partnerships, enabling life-changing, impactful opportunities to our community.
The afterschool program prides itself in maintaining the highest standards and offering quality programs that educate and inspire children, all while they learn to play tennis.
This year’s program featured young people performing on stage, taking on roles such as Martha Reeves, lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, and former U.S. President Barack Obama.
AFRO
Cora Masters Barry (left) is the CEO and founder of the Recreation Wish List Committee and the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Shown here, Masters Barry with Melanie Campbell, the president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.
Dahia Joseph (left) performs as Martha Reeves, the lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, in a showcase of talents, alongside Shalai Abney and Kennedy Morse.
The Blacks in Wax Living Museum exhibit includes Fatima Sanfo (left) as Angela Davis, Brandon G. Llano-Cruz as Huey P. Newton and Azaria Snowden as Asata Shakur, famous members of the “Black Panthers” party.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
The scholars of Southeast Tennis and Learning Center gather together to thank those who came out to the Thearc Theatre.
Joel Massey takes to the stage as former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Jazlynn Brown portrays D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser at the Annual Blacks In Wax event. This year’s theme was “The 1965 Voting Rights Act Then and Now.”
Kennedy Morse portrays Shirley Chislom as part of the vignette showcase.
Dancers Paul Fullmore (left); Frey Moore; Jayce Davis; Isaiah Rawlings and Johnathan Madden entertain the crowd.
Chyanne Burrows-Washington (left) presenting as Ella Baker, is joined by Payton Hubbard presenting as Fannie Lou Hammer, Natalia Norris as LaTosha Brown and Kenndi Grimes as Joyce Ladner to tell a story of civil rights activism.
Isabelle Wright (left) and Aubrey Smith are participants in the Blacks in Wax annual showcase.
Kewe Ouedraogo plays the incomparable Nina Simone for this year’s performance.
Teaching Artist Institute celebrates Ghanaian Independence Day
By AFRO Staff
Ghanaians and members of the African Diaspora worldwide recently celebrated the African country’s 68th Day of Independence.
In Baltimore, the Teaching Artist Institute, which frequently hosts trips to Africa, offered an event at the Sankofa Children’s Museum, located in the 1300 block of Pimlico Road. The program featured African dancers,
food and a community awards recognition program. Attendees were able to experience the wonders of Ghana, known for its color, energy and flavor.
Ghana gained its independence from the United Kingdom on March 6, 1957 and has a capital city named Accra. The country is bordered by Burkina Faso to the north, the Ivory Coast, or Cote d’Ivoire, to the west, and Togo to the east. The country has a population of roughly 35 million people.
Diedre Dawkins, dance director for
Community Based Arts School, addresses the
Connexions
crowd.
AFRO Photos / Ronald Christian Jr.
Jenelle Penney shares a moment with Dr. Debra Brooks, director of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success.
Zaakira Muhammad and Nkosi T’Shaka
Patti Smith serves as the outreach and strategic partnership director of Sankofa.
Jade Abner-Gilmore is a dancer with the Peabody Institute.
Haki Ammi, president of the Teaching Artist Institute, presents an award with Dr. Debra Brooks to Ester Armstrong and Jenelle Penny (left).
Dancers Erian Jackson (front, left); Jamia King; Paige Coombs; Twaniya Roberson (back, left); Antion Sprye and Niyana Faidley represent Connexions Community Based Arts School at the celebration.
Drummers Marquese Wilson; Jermaine Gibbs; Drum Instructor Baba Themba; Devon Farmer; Travonte Anderson and Corey Barnett prepare to perform for those in attendance.
Bernice Mireku-North, Esq., of the Ways and Means Committee for the Maryland House Of Delegates, speaks.
Many gather in Baltimore to celebrate the 68th year of independence for the country of Ghana in West Africa.
Del. Malcolm Ruff (D) represents the 41st District as a member of the Maryland State House of Delegates. He can often be found in the community.
Del. Malcolm Ruff (left), presents NKosi T’Shaka, Nana Akua N. Zenzele and Haki Ammi with citations.
Artist Olufunmike Butterfly Woods makes an appearance.
Haki Ammi, president of the Teaching Artist Institute (TAI), encourages all to explore the culture and history of Ghana and other African countries through TAI programming and tours.
Ester “Mama Kiki” Armstrong, founder of the Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Culture, speaks to those gathered for celebration of Ghanaian independence.
Shown here, Nana Akua N. Zenzele, a traditional Healer.
Ken Ashianor sports the Ghanaian flag at the celebration.
Paige Coombs, of Connexions Community Based Arts School takes part in the festivities.