The Word on Voices of Courage

Voices of Courage:  Profiles of 19^th Century African American Women began its national tour in Sacramento, California in 2009 in conjunction with the opening of the Smithsonian’s Freedom’s Sisters. 

If you have experienced the show or will be attending its presentation in my hometown of Willingboro on March 26 please join the comments below by posting to my blog and/or webpage.

Reviews: 

The program, Voices of Courage:  Profiles of 19^th Century African American Women, was remarkable for its educational value, historical accuracy, for a wonderfully developed script, and costuming that represented each character.  Queen Nur's energy, commitment, and reverence for each of the women she portrayed was extraordinary! "The hour-long Voices of Courage program completely held the attention of the audience.  Their comments were extremely positive and several attended her repeat program. " - Mary Mijares, Sacramento Public Library

 The artist “became” each character, changing her clothing accessories and props as she talked about the woman she was portraying.  She alternated between talking and singing, sometimes asking for students to sing along or clap to the rhythm.  She had draped a colorful throw over a chair and made up the stage to be an inviting living room setting where she could “tell stories.”  Her stories and delivery were so captivating that sometimes the audience didn’t even notice that she was changing clothing pieces.  – Sonya Ryhal, Springfield Arts Council, Ohio.

Newspaper Article:

Storyteller Queen Nur resurrects pioneers

http://www.saljournal.com/news/story/Queen-Nur-1-17

Share a Story

Who are the modern day Voices of Courage?  Please share a story.

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Voices of Courage Resound During Women's History Month

Is the celebration of women limited to one month?  Absolutely not!  However, March deemed National Women’s History Month is a pristine opportunity to elevate the spirit, lives and deeds of the female gender.   It is a perfect time to attend events highlighting achievements of women.

I am honored to present my national show Voices of Courage:  Profiles of 19^th Century African-American Women at the Willingboro Public Library on March 26th at 2:00 p.m.   The interactive performance is designed for audiences 10 and up.  

Did you know the poplar version of Sojourner Truth’s historical “Ain’t I  A Women” was written 12 years later by the southern white women who presided over the Women’s Convention where the original speech was orated?   In Voices of Courage, story lovers hear an account of Sojourner's true delivery reported at the end of the convention.  The audience sings the lyrics written by Sojourner for the Buffalo Soldiers and chants courting songs from the lifetime of Ida B. Wells.  Voices swell in a traditional verse of This Little Light of Mine when Mary McCleod Bethune stands up to the Klu Klux Klan.  Other women exalted during this program are Maria W. Stewart, Harriet Tubman, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Cathy Williams and, Mary Church Terrell.

In sharing footsteps along the journey of these voices of courage from the past, it is my hope that we are fearless in raising our voices today.

Other Programs this Month:

Black Women and Folklore Tradition Bearers of Our Community”

Opportunities to celebrate Women’s History are rich in our region.  In Philadelphia, On March 19, 2011, my colleague and dear friend, Caroliese Frink Reed, Master storyteller and instructor will present an enriching three hour workshop at the Wynnefiled Library, 54^th and Overbook Avenue at 1:00 p.m.

For more Women’s History Month events visit:  http://philly360.visitphilly.com/news/2011/02/28/philly-360-legacy-presents-top-picks-for-women-s-history-month-in-philadelphia.

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