Lyeneal Griffin as Joseph Bustill. Photos by John Bivins.
History is reflected not just through events but through people. Sometimes, these people are overlooked heroes right in your own community.
In Harrisburg, they include such figures as abolitionist William Howard Day, poet Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson and political activist Maude Coleman. And now you can get to know them through the efforts of Sankofa African American Theatre Co. and Gamut Theatre Group.
A program entitled “Do You Know Me?” connects audiences to Harrisburg’s rich African American history—abolitionists and civil rights activists who struggled to end slavery, secure the vote, and challenge ongoing segregation.
In February, the program was presented to high school students in honor of Black History Month and, this month, it will be streamed for general audiences.
Sankofa and Gamut have, for a number of years, partnered in a live program that celebrates Black history. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program had to go virtual—also known as a “digital performance episode”—developed by Sharia Benn, Sankofa’s executive artistic director.
This digital performance features local student talent as well as professional artists who are capable of breathing life into poetry, interviews, speeches and letters. These written records highlight the words of influential local and national African American leaders.
“By sharing this truthful knowledge of culture, history, and identity, we gain a better understanding of the past so we can be better agents for social change in the future,” Benn said.
Highmark Blue Shield and Dauphin County are co-sponsoring the performance.
Commission Chair Jeff Haste stated that Dauphin County has made Black History Month a priority by supporting events for nearly a decade.
“The Dauphin County commissioners are honored to continue this vital program to celebrate Black history,” Haste said. “We believe it is essential to offer the citizens of Dauphin County chances to learn more about local history, the fascinating people who lived here and their incredible stories.”
Nicholson and Benn co-directed the program, and students performed live monologues filmed on the Gamut stage, with Zoom performances and discussions. Featured are students Jade Jarrell and Najuma Norman, both of Capital Area School of the Arts, and Lunden McClain of Central Dauphin East.
“I have really enjoyed working with these strong young ladies,” Nicholson said. “I am ecstatic that we can continue this program virtually and continue in our mission to share these important stories.”
The program has focused principally on the 8th Ward, where many African American residents in Harrisburg resided, a neighborhood razed a century ago to expand the Capitol complex. It is multifaceted—encompassing artistic, historical and educational components, explained Nicholson.
According to Benn, “Do You Know Me?” bridges the gap between knowledge and meaningful action as students travel along the path to accountable and equitable citizenship.
“Recent racial and social injustices have fueled young people in our community with a desire to be social change agents,” she said.
“Do You Know Me?” will be offered as a digital performance for two special viewings on Sunday, March 14, at 4 p.m., and Monday, March 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the public performances are available for the community engagement price of $10 and may be purchased at GamutTheatre.org.
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