By Ms. Jheri Worldwide | Staff Writer
A one-man play is a massive undertaking. Add to that an impactful player from every major American conflict since the American Revolution. Sonny Kelly of Legacy Heirs Productions with the support of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resouces’ America 250 NC initiative was able to execute this artistic expression flawlessly. The presentation is based on historical research yet is empowered with artistic liberties and details that give the historical figures the space to tell their stories and articulate their purposes through Kelly. In every single major American conflict Black freedom fighters participated, known and unknown these men and women demonstrated sacrifices, resistance, and resilience in efforts to contribute to democracy. This play is even more essential in our current times as a direct example of Black excellence and the ideals that have empowered over 400 years of the struggle for freedom, liberty, and equality. The fight is not new to us yet some of the names featured might be. Kelly began the role by reminiscing about his own enlistment, his father’s, and his grandfather’s. He goes on to embody: Thomas Peters (c. 1738 - 1792), John Chavis (c. 1763 - 1838), Ned Griffin (unknown - 1842), Lucy Nichols (1838 - 1915), Abraham Galloway (1837 - 1870), Sgt Henry Johnson / Harlem Hellfighters (c. 1892 - 1929), Capt. James H. Porter / 555 Battalion “Triple Nickles” (1925 - 2006), Sarah Keys Evans (1929 - present), and many other individuals and events.
The Ongoing Fight For Freedom: Stories of NC Black Veterans will continue to run in different parts of the state throughout the year. You can find more showtimes at https://www.legacyheirsproductions.com/.
Witnessing this play in the state house in our current political climate was very poignant. One observer noted that the very laws that stripped North Carolina’s African American population of their dignity and liberty were created in the same room where this important story was told. Insight about The Stono Rebellion and the assertion of “holding on to your humanity as an act of defiance” rang louder than ever in the North Carolina State Capital building. The stories truly provided insight and depth for all attendees, this is North Carolina’s story and as we work to make America’s founding principles a reality for all telling these stories is a step in the right direction.
