PHILADELPHIA, March 26, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- In connection with its three Women's History Month performances, the producers of the hair drama "The Tenderheaded Diaries" will pay tribute to three women who have distinguished themselves for their inner and outer beauty, and for their invaluable contributions to the community: poet, Sonia Sanchez; cultural icon, Ione Nash; and leader, Barbara Smith. The awards will be presented at the Saturday, March 30, 2002, 8 p.m. performance of the "Diaries" at the Painted Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia.
"The Tenderheaded Diaries," a multimedia play, mixes drama, humor, historical facts and contemporary images to explore the intriguing world of Black women's hair. The play is written and produced by Pamela Hooks, a television producer, and Pamela Johnson, columnist for Essence Magazine and co-author/editor of the book, "Tenderheaded, A Comb Bending Collection of Hair Stories" (Pocket Books).
While it celebrates the unique beauty of each and every woman, three exemplary women leaders will be singled out as Tenderheaded Crowned Heads of Distinction for their lifelong community service. These women embody the drive for excellence and set the pace for generations to come.
Crowned Heads of Distinction Award:
Poet, activist and scholar Sonia Sanchez is a professor emeritus at Temple University in Philadelphia and a national lecturer. She is the author of more than a dozen books, and the recipient of many awards and honors, including a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Peace and Freedom Award from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Through HBO's "Def Poetry Jam," Sanchez has helped Russell Simmons bring poetry to the masses.
At 77 years old, Ione Nash has spent the great majority of her life cultivating beauty through the art of dance and by helping others find a forum for self-expression. The founder of the Ione Nash Dance Ensemble, she was the owner of the first African-American owned business in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. She choreographed more than 600 dances blending a mix of forms from the African diaspora; she once studied under the legendary Katherine Dunham. Nash has a black belt in Shotokai Karate and studies it 10 hours per week. She also teaches 12 dance classes per week. Nash is a stellar example of vitality and longevity.
In the 1980s, Barbara Smith, an international activist, journalist and motivational speaker, organized the Mantua Against Drugs Program in West Philadelphia which attracted the attention of former President George Bush. She also helped to create Mantua Hall, an 18-story, public housing facility. In the mid-90s, Smith organized the Million Woman March to focus on the pressing concerns of women around the world. Sadly, Ms. Smith succumbed to breast cancer last year; a family members will be present to receive the award on her behalf. Remembered as fighting for the underdog, her family has said, "She had the spirit of an angel, but could hang on like a pitbull for what she thought was right."
"The Tenderheaded Diaries" will be performed 8 p.m. March 29 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 30, 2002 at the Painted Bride Arts Center, 230 Vine Street, in Philadelphia. Tickets are available at The Painted Bride Box office: (215) 925-9914; all seats are $15. Please note that there are only 290 seats per show.