"The Other Black History" Returns to the Stage at Ashé 

Playwright Dr. Flint D. Mitchell brings to the stage a riveting take on the forgotten aspects of Black History. Leading man Oliver Thomas leads a fine group of young actors through a comprehensive black history lesson that begins with the Transatlantic Slave Trade and ends with the modern Civil Rights Movement.

 

SHOWTIMES:  Wed., June 19; Fri., June 21; and Sat., June 22, 2019 @ 7 PM

FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT - Dr. Flint D. Mitchell

The Other Black History is first-time playwright Flint Mitchell’s attempt to teach comprehensive and accurate black history rather than the revisionist history that is being taught in schools. Mitchell knew that convincing schools, school districts, and government to teach what is true to their students and citizens would be impossible. Therefore, this play is a noble attempt to educate about some of the most basic as well as some of the most controversial American concepts using a stage play—an art form that is impervious to censorship and revision.

The play was written based upon the theory that limited civic engagement—particularly low voter participation by blacks under the age of 50—is the result of this group not understanding (1) the struggles their ancestors experienced during the eras of slavery, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow; and (2) how hard their ancestors fought during the Civil Rights Movement to earn them the right to vote—a basic civil right not always enjoyed by blacks due to pervasive racism in this country.

Mitchell believes this group does not understand this significant part of America’s history (i.e., slavery, Jim Crow, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement) because accurate and comprehensive black history has not been taught to most Americans. Instead, a revisionist form of American history has been taught that whitewashes the truth, romanticizes the brutal facts, and excludes blacks’ positive contributions to this republic.

The Other Black History is a righteous take on the 1980s-pop culture movie The Breakfast Club. This stage play, set over two consecutive Saturdays, features a formerly incarcerated, yet exonerated schoolteacher as a detention monitor. During the two days of detention, he teaches four students about racial justice, and, most importantly, courage in the face of adversity. Come see this teacher lead the students through a comprehensive black history lesson that begins with the transatlantic slave trade and ends with the modern Civil Rights Movement.

The Other Black History uses a simple set design, which with permission, will allow it to be replicated by school theater departments and utilized to promote principals of truth, courage, and the undying will of those who fought for civil rights over hundreds of years of America’s history.

TICKETS:  $15.00 in advance; $20 at the door.

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