LSUS to host celebration of African-American icons Jan. 20

LSUS to host celebration of African-American icons Jan. 20

SHREVEPORT - LSU Shreveport invites the community to celebrate African-American icons in a musical and theatrical performance Jan. 20 in the University Center Theatre.

The program begins at 10:30 a.m. and will last until noon.

The performance will feature theatrical portrayals like Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, writer Zora Neale Hurston and singers Mahalia Jackson and Paul Robeson.

Actors and actresses from Mahogany Ensemble Theatre will be performing on the LSUS Theatre stage.

The schedule includes Maya Angelou's poem "Human Family" and songs from artists like Sam Cooke and Louis Armstrong - sung by special guest entertainer Daniel Coleman.

Members of a local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chapter will provide inspirational quotes.

Dr. Kenna Franklin, LSUS associate vice chancellor for community engagement, said the aim is for audiences to consider their role in society at large.

"As we honor Dr. King's legacy, the question that begs consideration is how will you participate in the work of justice and a life of meaningful purpose," said Franklin, whose Office of Community Engagement is producing the program. "It's so important to have experiences that ignite curiosity so that one asks more questions and wants to know more about significant people.

"Our goal is to present information that makes the audience curious enough to answer their own questions and form their own opinions."

Students from multiple Shreveport middle and high schools will be in attendance, and Franklin aims to foster thought and discussion among the audience as part of the experience.

"Shreveport has its own history with Sam Cooke writing 'A Change is Gonna Come' after being denied access to a Shreveport hotel because of the color of his skin," said Franklin, referring to Cooke's 1963 arrest for disturbing the peace. "It's fitting to feature this song because you've got to know from whence you came if you want to know where you're going.

"One of the central messages is to be a rainbow in somebody's cloud."

For more information about the program or about the Office of Community Engagement, email [email protected] or call 318-797-5094.