ÂÂ"FEELINGS & FOOTPRINTS, A Walk through African-American HistoryÂÂ"

Thought this might be interesting. Our very own Sharece Sellem has been working tirelessly and with great enthusiasm with her young theater group to produce this venue. Her dedication is truly amazing and I am sure these young people will be looking back and remembering her inspiration with fondness. I know myself that I am always looking for inspiration and what better way than to support, enthusiastic young people aspire in their creative endeavors. Maybe after the show we could meet at Delaneys, to socialize and discuss the performance. Feelings & Footprints, A Walk through African-American HistoryÂÂ" is the result of Sharece Sellem's efforts with urban youth in a young theater group called ARTISTIK XPRESSIONS. She was introduced to New Haven youths by Mrs. Ella Manning, the Health Director at Davis St. Interdistrict Arts & Academics Magnet School. In her time at the school, Mrs Lola Nathan, school principal, had her work as a substitute teacher and in the afterschool program doing drama activities with the children. Sharece has written several plays and made them come to life with the students. Over the summer Sellem attended a monologue slam in a Manhattan nightclub. ÂÂ"When I saw that,ÂÂ" she recalled, ÂÂ"I said it would be awesome for the kids.ÂÂ" ÂÂ"ThereÂÂ's so much talent hereÂÂ" at Davis, she said. ÂÂ"I know some of these kids have it rough at home. This is great for them.ÂÂ"The program will be open to other youths (elementary ÂÂ- high school age) as she sets up more projects that call for a specific look, sound, and talent. This year she presents a monologue slam entitled ÂÂ"Feelings & Footprints.ÂÂ" It is a monologue series featuring African-American greats in American history: Madame C.J. Walker, W.E.B. DuBois, Duke Ellington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Michael Jackson. It is suited to target 2nd graders and up. The presentation is about 30-40 min. long and the cast changes costumes between acts. The audience gets a chance to see these characters grow from children to teenagers. They then see them as adults giving actual historic speeches. ÂÂ"SheÂÂ's like magic with them. ÂÂ" She doesnÂÂ't stop ÂÂ'til she gets it done.ÂÂ" -Quote from Ms. Lola Nathan, Davis St. Interdistrict Arts & Academics Magnet School, New Haven CT. Donations welcome. More on Sharece Sellem and her Young Theater Group: http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/10/sharece.php