Celebrating African-American Women Through Music, Film, and Images
February is Black History Month. To celebrate the history and achievements of African-Americans, Grier invited Key Arts Productions to present an innovative theatrical production to an audience of Grier students and faculty.
The show, titled Spirit of a Woman, showcased noteworthy African-American women accompanied by live music and archival images, film, and audio clips. Joseph Pattinson narrated the audio-visual presentation and played piano accompaniment, while Joyce and Natasha sang pieces made famous by African-American women. Mr. Pattinson described character traits embodied by the heroines, including determination, perseverance, and compassion. Sojourner Truth, Wilma Rudolph, Zora Neal Hurston, Rosa Parks, Marian Anderson, Oprah Winfrey, and Michelle Obama were among the women showcased for their achievements in social reform, politics, women’s rights, education, the arts, literature and athletics throughout American history.
The musicians treated the audience to the sounds of Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and more! Mr. Pattinson encouraged the audience to clap and sing along. Grier girls demanded R-E-S-P-E-C-T right along with Aretha.
What a great way to learn and appreciate African-American culture and history and celebrate these amazing women! Thanks to Key Arts Productions for making the trip to Grier from Philadelphia and to Grier’s Mrs. Holly Carper for making the arrangements to provide this high-quality student enrichment.
RW | RW, BB
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Members of Key Arts Productions gather for a group photo with Grier students after the lively production.
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Joyce, Mrs. Borst, Mrs. Carper, Mr. Pattinson, and Natasha made this event possible.
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Key Arts Production "The Spirit of a Women" showcases influential African-American women throughout history.
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Key Arts Production "The Spirit of a Women" showcases influential African-American women throughout history.
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Joseph Pattinson narrates and plays piano.
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Joseph Pattinson narrates and plays piano.
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Mrs. Carper introduces the performers.
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Grier School
2522 Grier School Rd. | P.O. Box 308; Birmingham, PA 16686-0308
Phone: 814-684-3000 | Fax: 814-684-2177
Phone: 814-684-3000 | Fax: 814-684-2177
