This year marks the 3rd year Mrs. Doris Mason and her students bring the Marion community together to showcase student work and talent. This year’s theme is African Americans Moving from Hurt to Hope. Mrs. Mason quoted Proverb 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” This quote embodies a key dramatic presentation in this year’s program. The writer of the presentation wants the audience to understand that through persecution, treachery and long-suffering, the African Americans had a deep vision of HOPE. That HOPE meant that one day they would be free and recognized for the good done by them, even in the history books. In essence they learned not only how to survive but how to thrive.
In an attempt to emphasize the significance of African Americans in the development of this country, the work and worth of African Americans have been minimized. The writer of this dramatic presentation sought to define individual roles and contributions of African Americans through song, dance, recitation, narration, instrumentation, individual acts and the work of God. More significantly, this production is being presented to illuminate the artistic crafts of the 7th grade student body and adults within the community who portray roles of major trailblazers that helped shape and redefine democracy and equality as the heart of the American society.
This year’s program will mix the past, present, and future with music, song and dramatic interpretations from major movies and musicals highlighted by two special youth performers, Elijah Doss and Jackson McGinnis. Both young men have and still perform at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis, TN and the West Memphis Civic Auditorium.
The program starts at 6p.m. in the cafeteria of the MJHS 7th Grade Experience building at 10 Patriot Drive in Marion. There will be a Black History classroom tour at 5p.m. in the halls before the program starts. Admission is free to both events.
