Producer’s Note

Dear lovely guests,

I am honored to virtually welcome you all to the 32nd production of Black Anthology.

In 1989, Marcia Hayes-Harris saw the need to have the experiences of Black students represented on the stage. This led to the creation of Black Anthology—Washington University’s first student-led cultural production. Since its inception, Black Anthology has provided students with the opportunity to discuss, complicate, and celebrate Black life, history, and culture across the globe. Our organization has covered a myriad of topics and issues that affect the Black community and continues to represent Black life in innovative, refreshing ways.

Black Anthology has grown so much over the past 30 years; within recent years the executive board has moved to include a different philanthropic initiative each year to help make a positive impact in the greater St. Louis community. This year we have partnered with The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Women’s Business Center, formally known as The Grace Hill Women’s Business Center. This organization has been committed to providing business development to aspiring entrepreneurs, more specifically minority women. We are so excited to be working with them, especially during a time that has been difficult for many small business owners.

This is my fourth, and final, year of working with Black Anthology. This organization has given me more than I could have ever imagined when I joined my freshman year. It has cultivated my leadership skills, allowed me to explore myself as a creative, and given me people who will be in my life for many years to come. Black Anthology has been one of the largest and most fruitful parts of my college career and I am sad to leave it.

No one could have ever imagined there would be a production like this year’s production. Though 2020 has been chaotic, we did not want to use the show to address our new COVID-filled world. Instead, we wanted our show to provide a reprieve while not diverting from our mission to bring forth debates in our diverse Black community.

During any year there is so much behind-the scenes work that goes into making our show, but this year gave hard work a new meaning. The dedication shown by this cast and exec board during an especially challenging school year is unreal. From having to rethink our events and publicity tactics to virtual rehearsals, I want to extend a special thank you to every member of our organization, especially my wonderful executive board.

2020 brought great change and hardship. Nearly all of us lost something in one way or another. I would like to dedicate this show to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one this past year during a time where there is little space for true grief. I hope our show can offer you some light.

Thank you for continuing to support Black Anthology during these unprecedented times.

All the very best,

Sophia Kamanzi, Producer

Black Anthology 2021