ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., Jan. 28, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The President of the first college in the Southern United States to be coeducational and racially integrated is once again leading the charge for his Institution’s motto “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth” (Acts 17:26). The President has written a heartfelt endorsement of Healing Through the Sound of Music’s multi-award-winning one-woman stage play, “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story, ‘Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired,’” by powerhouse performer Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye.
Berea College President, Dr. Lyle D. Roelofs, of the 35-member Appalachian College Association, candidly wrote a powerfully honest endorsement letter about his riveting experience of the one-woman play stating, “it caused me to relive Mrs. Hamer's courageous life while reflecting on the journey of America and its current condition where systematic racism remains a reality, and our country struggles to come to terms with White privilege." In 2013, the teeth of the enforcement provision of the Voter’s Rights Act of 1965, section 4, was repealed which emboldens blatant Voter suppression without fear of penalties. This justly questions the clarity of Chief Justice Robert’s affirming approval, "That Times Have Changed."
Dr. Roelofs added that he is hopeful that his endorsement will encourage presidents of other colleges and universities throughout the higher education community to bring the inspirational production to their campuses saying, "You moved our students and members of our community to hold hands in laughter and tears." Further, Roelofs expressed, "struggle for justice continues, of course, and our work as educators is crucial as the next generation steps up to those challenges. Importantly, both white students and students of color need to be working together to drive social change, and that is why I recommend this performance, particularly if you can use it in your school at an event that draws the full cross-section of your students and faculty. It is a great educational experience.” With Roelof’s blessing, Aimbaye has launched a nationwide ACA Higher Education President Challenge Initiative focused on collaborations that expose more college students and members of our communities to The Fannie Lou Hamer Story.
The 60-minute production is an entertaining educationally-focused production that addresses the struggle for human dignity and freedom. The play consists of entrancing storytelling, eleven emotionally-stirring songs from the Civil Rights Era, and a heart-stirring video montage celebrating an unsung hero who became a catalyst for the passage of the Voter’s Rights Act of 1965.
"Strategically, poignant historical productions like The Fannie Lou Hamer Story are too often relegated to be viewed by only Black students who have been placed in the basket of diversity and inclusion organizations where they continue to be marginalized with little or no budget to bring a multi-award-winning production forward of this kind,” said Production Manager, Djehuty Se Hotep. “Hence, my proposal is to spearhead an initiative that would inspire higher education presidents to take on the challenge by hosting the production for their general campus community and surrounding communities justifying access to a larger budget which in most instances are tapped by ‘White privilege' productions," says Hotep.
About Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye and Healing Through the Sound of Music
Healing Through the Sound of Music was conceived in 1993 by Lorraine Pope (Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye) who empathetically expressed her gift while working as a registered nurse who would sing while making her rounds bringing a sense of calm reflection. Following her passion and using her God-given talents, Pope decided to share her angelic voice with a wider audience by performing on stage.
In 2009, Pope legally adopted the Swahili name Mzuri (beautiful) Moyo (heart) then later added Aimbaye (who sings). Therefore, Healing Through the Sound of Music is dedicated to creating enlightening educational performances that HEAL, INSPIRE and RAISE HISTORICAL AWARENESS of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer’s contribution to the Social and Political landscape of America for viewing audiences of all ages.
For more information and to read President Roelofs’ entire endorsement letter, please visit: https://www.thefannielouhamerstory.com/
For More Information Contact:
Taroue Brooks
Taroue.brooks@yahoo.com
202-431-1119
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f13def9e-1ef9-4d81-b12e-97cf4566953b