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Playback Memphis debuts Frayser youth theater ensemble

NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER — On September 20, Playback Memphis staged its second annual Frayser Matters performance, but it was a first appearance for the members of its new Playback Memphis Youth Ensemble. The youth ensemble consists of sixth and seventh graders representing several Frayser middle schools including Westside and the Memphis Business Academy.

Published

4 years ago

October 22, 2019

Oakland Post

Members of the Playback Memphis Youth Ensemble gave their first performance at the second annual Frayser Matters event. (Playback Memphis)

By Baris Gursakal

On September 20, Playback Memphis staged its second annual Frayser Matters performance, but it was a first appearance for the members of its new Playback Memphis Youth Ensemble.

The youth ensemble consists of sixth and seventh graders representing several Frayser middle schools including Westside and the Memphis Business Academy.

The youth, along with members of Playback’s adult ensemble, worked together to listen to audience members’ stories then act out or ‘play back’ what they heard.

The players performed a movement mirroring exercise, acted out improvisational scenes in response to audience prompts, and sang songs paired with improvisational dance moves and live music.

“I was excited [to perform] because I learned how to do this last year, and now today, I have more courage than I did last time,” said youth ensemble member Madyson Margette.

Playback theater performances aim to facilitate dialogue around difficult topics and help audience members build empathy as they learn about the experiences, struggles and perspectives of other audience members.

The moving, hour-long performance prompted tears and laughter from the audience.

“I’m a psychologist, and it’s almost like they do psychology really quickly, much more quickly, by having people act out the dramas that people are experiencing,” said audience member Dixie Fletcher. “We used to teach some of the same peacebuilding skills when I was in the school system, but I like the way they do it better than how we did it.”

Related: ‘Playback Memphis partners with Le Bonheur and SCS to reduce bullying and teen pregnancy’

“It’s empowering to be able to work with a group of young people who may have different struggles, ideas, and experiences but are able to come together for the same purpose and be together and open and hear other peoples stories and honor them,” said Leslie Jones, who oversees the Playback’s youth programming.

Audience members were moved to both laughter and tears at the second annual Playback Memphis Frayser Matters event, featuring the first performance of Playback’s youth ensemble. (Jenny Myers, Playback Memphis)

More than An Art

Members of Playback’s youth ensemble began learning their craft in fifth grade as part of Playback’ Be the Peace! school-based program. They then attended its inaugural Be the Peace! summer camp held this year.

The school-based program operated in Corning and Frayser elementary schools until they merged to become Frayser-Corning. Now Playback’s adult ensemble members meet weekly with Frayser-Corning 5th graders for hands-on training and quarterly for school-wide performances. Playback also provides professional development for teachers focused on trauma-informed, mindful school leadership.

Many schools in Frayser struggle with a lack of funding for arts programming, which is one reasons Playback Memphis is working in the area, but the organization does more than provide children with an opportunity to participate in the arts.

It teaches the children about “peacebuilding” which Playback’s director, Virginia Murphy, says strengthens communication and conflict resolution skills and encourages healthy coping mechanisms when faced with both everyday issues and the extraordinary challenges.

Frayser is large and diverse, and the life experiences of its residents vary greatly. However, Playback’ data shows, nearly 80 percent of Frayser’s children live below the federal poverty line, and its crime rate is over 200 percent above the national average.

Over half of people living in Shelby County report at least one adverse childhood experience — such as homelessness, loss of a parent to death or incarceration or abuse in the household — but that figure increases in areas of extreme disinvestment like Frayser.

“Most of these kids are surviving complex trauma on a daily basis,” said Murphy.

Frayser’s schools and families are chronically underserved and often unable to fully address their children’s complex social and emotional needs, let alone find and fund opportunities to strengthen social-emotional learning and build a positive school culture informed by the realities of trauma and survival.

Three of Playback’s adult ensemble members were previously incarcerated and two now live in Frayser. They were first exposed to playback theater as part of their work to rebuild their lives post-release but say if they’d had Playback Memphis as children, they may not have been incarcerated in the first place.

“Applying playback theater in the way that we do is just a beautiful way to share practices of awareness and compassion and really give them some skillful methods of being able to learn the art of generous listening, being able to resolve conflict peacefully, grow in awareness of their feelings and needs, and to pay attention to what other people are feeling and what they need,” said Murphy.

Members of Playback’s adult and youth ensembles performed at the second annual Playback Memphis Frayser Matters performance held on September 20, 2019. (Jenny Myers, Playback Memphis)

Playback’s Steps Forward

Playback is now looking towards expanding its school-based program into additional Frayser elementary schools, as well as partnering with Tim and Kim Ware, who are developing a proposal for an alternative school for high students who drop out of traditional schools. They plan to present to Shelby County Schools in the next few months.

“One of our big areas of focus is going to be how we build up developmental assets in young people with a specific focus on things like restorative practices, mindfulness, and empathy,” said Tim Ware.

“Playback Memphis does a phenomenal job at that,” he continued. “We are interested in seeing if we could partner, if the school is approved, and kind of have it built into the DNA of the school.”

The organization also plans to host a spring performance for the youth ensemble and has plans for another Be the Peace! summer camp in June 2020.

Margette attended the 2019 camp and says she plans on attending again next year.

“I liked the summer camp because we learned how to do more stuff than we did at school,” said Margette comparing the intensive summer experience with her fifth grade experience.

“I learned to have more courage when I speak because I was shy before I came to the camp and before I was in Playback.”

This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender

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WATCH LIVE! — NNPA 2023 National Leadership Awards Reception

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Welcome to the NNPA 2023 National Leadership Awards Reception
The post WATCH LIVE! — NNPA 2023 National Leadership Awards Reception first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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1 day ago

September 22, 2023

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The post WATCH LIVE! — NNPA 2023 National Leadership Awards Reception first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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OP-ED: Delivering Climate Resilience Funding to Communities that Need it the Most

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Just last month, FEMA announced nearly $3 billion in climate mitigation project selections nationwide to help communities build resilience through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and Flood Mitigation Assistance program. In total, more than 50% of these projects will benefit disadvantaged communities, and in particular, 70% of BRIC projects will do the same.
The post OP-ED: Delivering Climate Resilience Funding to Communities that Need it the Most first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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2 days ago

September 22, 2023

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By Erik A. Hooks, FEMA Deputy Administrator

We know that disasters do not discriminate. Yet, recovery from the same event can be uneven from community to community, perpetuating pre-existing inequalities. Recognizing these disparities, FEMA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration have prioritized equity when it comes to accessing federal programs and resources.

The numbers tell the story.

Just last month, FEMA announced nearly $3 billion in climate mitigation project selections nationwide to help communities build resilience through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and Flood Mitigation Assistance program. In total, more than 50% of these projects will benefit disadvantaged communities, and in particular, 70% of BRIC projects will do the same.

These selections further underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity and reaffirm FEMA’s mission of helping people before, during and after disasters, delivering funding to the communities that need it most.

Building on this momentum and our people-first approach, FEMA recently announced the initial designation of nearly 500 census tracts, which will be eligible for increased federal support to become more resilient to natural hazards and extreme weather worsened by the climate crisis. FEMA will use “Community Disaster Resilience Zone” designations to direct and manage financial and technical assistance for resilience projects nationwide, targeting communities most at risk due to climate change. More Community Disaster Resilience Zone designations, including tribal lands and territories, are expected to be announced in the fall of 2023.

These types of investments have, and will yield a significant return on investment for communities nationwide.

For example, in my home state of North Carolina, the historic community of Princeville, founded by freed African American slaves, uses BRIC funding to move vulnerable homes and critical utilities out of flood-prone areas.

In East Harlem, BRIC dollars will provide nature-based flood control solutions to mitigate the impacts of extreme rainfall events in the Clinton low-income housing community.

While we are encouraged by these investments, we know more must be done.

Not every community has the personnel, the time or the resources to apply for these federal dollars. Fortunately, FEMA offers free, Direct Technical Assistance to help under-resourced communities navigate the grant application process and get connected with critical resources. Under the leadership of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, this assistance has been a game-changer, reducing barriers and providing even more flexible, customer-focused, tailored support to communities interested in building and sustaining successful resilience programs.

In Eastwick, Philadelphia, FEMA’s dedicated support helped the city with outreach to multiple federal agencies. Together, we built a comprehensive community-led flood mitigation strategy. When applied and implemented, this will make this community more resilient to hazards like flooding, which was negatively affecting many neighborhood blocks.

In DePue, Illinois, we worked hand-in-hand with communities to improve their ability to submit high-quality funding applications for hazard mitigation projects. We are happy to share that DePue is the first Direct Technical Assistance community to be selected in the BRIC national competition. And, we know they will not be the last. Thanks to this assistance and their ambition, DePue was awarded more than $20 million to build a new wastewater treatment plant, which will reduce flooding and raw sewage back-up into the basements of homes.

In total, our agency is working with over 70 communities, including tribal nations, to increase access to funding for mitigation projects that will make communities more livable and resilient.

With extreme weather events becoming increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change, we must keep pressing forward and continue investing in ways to better protect ourselves and our neighbors. And we are encouraged that local officials are engaging with us to learn more about the benefits of the BRIC non-financial Direct Technical Assistance initiative—just last week, we saw hundreds of participants nationwide register for a recent webinar on this important topic.

We want to see even more communities take advantage of this initiative, and, ultimately, obtain grants for innovative and forward-looking resilience projects. To that end, FEMA recently published a blog with five steps to help local communities and tribal nations learn more about the benefits of this non-financial technical assistance to access federal funding. I hope your community will take action and submit a letter of interest for this exciting opportunity and increase meaningful mitigation work throughout the country.

With the pace of disasters accelerating, communities can utilize federal resources to reduce their risk and take action to save property and lives. FEMA stands ready to be a partner and collaborator with any community that is ready to implement creative mitigation strategies and help build our nation’s resilience.

The post OP-ED: Delivering Climate Resilience Funding to Communities that Need it the Most first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Tale of Two Underground Railroad Communities

ARIZONA INFORMANT — Prior to the Civil War, many communities in the Ohio River Valley were a part of an elaborate system that provided resources and protection for enslaved persons from Southern states on their journey to freedom. Once someone crossed the Ohio River, they traveled along unknown terrain of trails to safe houses and hiding places that would become known as the Underground Railroad.
The post Tale of Two Underground Railroad Communities first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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September 20, 2023

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By Christopher J. Miller, Sr. Director of Education & Community Engagement, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Christopher J. Miller

September is International Underground Railroad Month.

This proclamation began in the State of Maryland in 2019, and now more than 11 States officially celebrate one of the most significant eras in U.S. history. With the signing of Ohio HB 340 in June 2022, Ohio became the 12^th state to designate September International Underground Railroad Month.

Many history enthusiasts and scholars hope the momentum of the proclamation spreads to other states so that all our forebears of freedom are remembered.

Examining this era, you find that the Ohio River Valley is instrumental in the many narratives of freedom seekers. These stories are critical to our understanding of race relations and civic responsibilities.

Before the Civil War, many communities in the Ohio River Valley were part of an elaborate system that provided resources and protection for enslaved persons from Southern states on their journey to freedom. Once someone crossed the Ohio River, they traveled along unknown terrain of trails to safe houses and hiding places that would become known as the Underground Railroad.

Gateway to Freedom sign

The Underground Railroad was comprised of courageous people who were held to a higher law that confronted the institution of slavery with acts of civil disobedience by helping freedom seekers elude enslavers and slave hunters and help them get to Canada.

Many communities were a force for freedom along the more than 900-mile stretch of the Ohio River Valley, but I would like to focus on two significant communities.

Southern Indiana was a major part of this history. It was originally believed that there were from Posey to South Bend, Corydon to Porter, and Madison to DeKalb County, with many stops in between.

In further examination, the Underground Railroad in Indiana was a web of trails through the forests, swamps, briars, and dirt roads. The city that is often overlooked in reflecting on the history of the Underground Railroad is New Albany, Indiana.

By 1850, New Albany was the largest city in Indiana, with a population of 8,632. Free Blacks accounted for 502 of that population. Across the river, Louisville was Kentucky’s largest city, with a population of 42,829. A quarter of the 6,687 Black population were free in Louisville.

Town Clock Church (aerial view)

Louisville and New Albany would grow to become a significant region for Underground Railroad activity. People like Henson McIntosh became a prominent community member and major Underground Railroad conductor. McIntosh was one of approximately ten Underground Railroad agents in New Albany who used their wealth and influence to impact the lives of freedom seekers crossing the Ohio River.

The Carnegie Center for Art & History is an outstanding resource that continues to preserve New Albany’s role during the Underground Railroad era. Approximately 104 miles east along the Ohio River is another institution that plays a critical role in elevating the profile of the Underground Railroad on a national scope.

Inside Town Clock Church New Albany Indiana safe house

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio.

By 1850, Cincinnati would grow to be the 6^th largest city in the Union, with a sizable Black population.

The Freedom Center is prominently located in the heart of a historic Black community called Little Africa. Although the community no longer exists, its legacy lives on through the Freedom Center.

As with New Albany, the community that resided along the banks of the river served an important role in the story of the Underground Railroad. Little Africa was the gateway to freedom for thousands of freedom seekers escaping slavery.

Although there were Underground Railroad networks throughout the country, Ohio had the most active network of any other state, with approximately 3,000 miles of routes used by an estimated 40,000 freedom seekers that crossed through Little Africa.

Despite the growth of enslavement leading up to the Civil War, communities such as Little Africa and New Albany reveal the realities regarding race relations and a model for the dignity of human life through their respective efforts to be kind and resilient friends for the freedom seekers.

For More Information:

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – https://freedomcenter.org/

Cincinnati Tourism – https://www.visitcincy.com/

Carnegie Center for Art & History – https://carnegiecenter.org/

Southern Indiana Tourism – https://www.gosoin.com/

The post Tale of Two Underground Railroad Communities first appeared on BlackPressUSA.