How Black Voices of Dignity came into being
"This exhibit was a way of honoring the Martin Luther King Holiday on behalf of Webster United Church of Christ. For years, I have had the honor of creating a special event in Dr. King’s honor. In the past, I have done a variety of events: A dramatic play acting out some key events of the Civil Rights movement, and I have invited various guests from the community: Gospel Choirs, drummers, hoofers, solo artists, storytellers and many more. Our own Webster choir did a compilation of songs during the worship service, explaining the history and importance of singing certain songs during the Civil Rights movement. There was even a reenactment of the Rosa Parks bus scene, portrayed through the eyes of an 81-year-old woman. Webster youth presented themselves as human statues, who would randomly come alive to dramatically recount the autobiographies of historic African American icons. These are just a few of the activities done as a way of honoring a man who believed in equal rights for all.
As a minority in an all-white church, being a part of my religious community is very important to me but having my voice be heard is equally important. Being involved in MLK events and other community activism is just one way I could accomplish that."
event-featured-Edda-William-exhibit-Black-Voices-of-Dignity
"I am a proud African American woman, wife and mother who for the past 30 years has been a member of Webster United Church of Christ. It has ... view more »
How Black Voices of Dignity came into being
“This exhibit was a way of honoring the Martin Luther King Holiday on behalf of Webster United Church of Christ. For years, I have had the honor of creating a special event in Dr. King’s honor. In the past, I have done a variety of events: A dramatic play acting out some key events of the Civil Rights movement, and I have invited various guests from the community: Gospel Choirs, drummers, hoofers, solo artists, storytellers and many more. Our own Webster choir did a compilation of songs during the worship service, explaining the history and importance of singing certain songs during the Civil Rights movement. There was even a reenactment of the Rosa Parks bus scene, portrayed through the eyes of an 81-year-old woman. Webster youth presented themselves as human statues, who would randomly come alive to dramatically recount the autobiographies of historic African American icons. These are just a few of the activities done as a way of honoring a man who believed in equal rights for all.
As a minority in an all-white church, being a part of my religious community is very important to me but having my voice be heard is equally important. Being involved in MLK events and other community activism is just one way I could accomplish that.”
event-featured-Edda-William-exhibit-Black-Voices-of-Dignity
“I am a proud African American woman, wife and mother who for the past 30 years has been a member of Webster United Church of Christ. It has been important to me to have a voice in addition to being an active worker. I found that as an African American, who has faced numerous acts of discrimination myself, it was important to speak out, and at the very least bring forth some of the social issues.
This exhibit was an opportunity for me to not only pay tribute and honor a maligned group of people who have for so long endured and survived hatred, racial stereotypes, and social injustices but it was also important to me to show a visual account of the many varied achievements and accomplishments of African Americans with an artistic walk-through depicting both past and current events. The displays include art, photos, African carvings, historic memorabilia and 3D recreations.
0ur country has been enriched by the contributions of African Americans. The sweat, tears and blood of our forefathers has helped to build this country, therefore our history should not be erased, forgotten, or pushed aside. This exhibit is a way of bringing to the forefront some of the current struggles and numerous social injustices that black Americans face daily. It validates the African American experience by evoking emotions.
My hope is that through the experience of viewing and reflecting on this exhibit you will not only be more open but also become a catalyst for change. Today with great pride, we recognize, honor and celebrate the many faceted and distinguished: “Black Voices of Dignity”.
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