Makeba relates 1950s bus boycott events

Sara Mettlen
Staff Writer
Mar. 4, 2004, Page 5

Awarding-winning actress and storyteller Awele Makeba will present a documentary performance titled “Rage Is Not a One-Day Thing” at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Great Hall in Perry Campus Center.
The story examines a portion of the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-56.
It is told mostly through the voice of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who became a star witness in the federal court case of Rosa Parks.
Parks was prosecuted nine months after refusing to give up her seat on a public bus.
“I believe it’s really going to be a good cultural experience for the campus and community,” Student Activities Director Wilma Jackson said. “It is rare to find an actress that performs historical events.”
Makeba’s act also portrays the parts of other influential women of the time, such as JoAnn Robinson, former president of the Women’s Political Council in Montgomery.
The performance is based on biographies, memoirs, court transcripts, interviews and oral histories.
Through her work researching, writing and performing hidden African American history, Makeba introduces audiences to emotional issues. She incorporates lessons about common humanity into her presentation.
“It’s something that we can all embrace and a really good piece of history that everyone can share,” Jackson said.
“It’s really a one of a kind event,” she said. “It should be a stellar performance.”