BECOMING THURGOOD: AMERICA'S SOCIAL ARCHITECT to Premiere September 9

Owings Mills, MD (June 20, 2025) — Maryland Public Television (MPT) today announced the upcoming release of BECOMING THURGOOD: AMERICA’S SOCIAL ARCHITECT. This new documentary explores the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the nation’s first African American Supreme Court Justice. 

Executive produced by Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and MPT Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer Travis Mitchell, the film is produced and directed by Alexis Aggrey, with music by two-time Grammy Award-winning composer Derrick Hodge.

A testament to Marshall’s extraordinary influence, BECOMING THURGOOD: AMERICA’S SOCIAL ARCHITECT premieres Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 10-11p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS app. 

"It was an honor to work on this film about an American titan whose legacy continues to expand and endure in these turbulent times," said executive producer Stanley Nelson. “I’m pleased to again be partnering with Maryland Public Television on the heels of two other joint productions, Becoming Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom.” 

"For the first time, audiences will hear Thurgood Marshall tell his own story — in his own words," said director and producer Alexis Aggrey. "This film is the first to center Marshall’s own voice, drawn from a rare eight-hour oral history. It’s not just a documentary; it’s a conversation with a man whose legal mind reshaped the nation and whose legacy still echoes through our justice system today."

“We are honored to be working with this amazing team of filmmakers to explore the extraordinary life of Justice Thurgood Marshall, one of Maryland’s most illustrious sons,” said Travis Mitchell, executive producer and MPT Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer. “Justice Marshall’s journey from his Baltimore childhood to his education at HBCUs, from his groundbreaking legal career at the NAACP to his history-making appointment to the Supreme Court, is a story of almost unprecedented achievement and one we know that PBS viewers will find illuminating as well as inspiring.”

BECOMING THURGOOD: AMERICA’S SOCIAL ARCHITECT follows Justice Marshall’s journey from his birth in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1908 through his years at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Lincoln University and Howard University School of Law, and his groundbreaking career as a lawyer championing civil rights and dismantling school segregation. 

Marshall won 29 of the 32 cases he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, invalidating the separate but equal doctrine and ending racial segregation in public schools. In 1967, Marshall became the first African American appointed to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. 

BECOMING THURGOOD: AMERICA’S SOCIAL ARCHITECT includes exclusive interviews with family members, leading historians and authors, and legal experts who offer fresh insights into the life and extraordinary influence of the man who became known as “Mr. Civil Rights.”

The film will serve as the centerpiece of HBCU Week NOW 2025, a public media partnership that offers content about the history, legacy, cultural heritage, and degree programs offered by America’s HBCUs. A collection of original long-form and short films, live events, and other HBCU-themed programming is available on the HBCU Week NOW YouTube Channel @HBCUWeekNOW and its companion Instagram page and website (hbcuweeknow.com). 

The film will stream simultaneously with broadcast and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms including PBS.org, and the PBS app, available on iOS, Android, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, and VIZIO.

BECOMING THURGOOD: AMERICA’S SOCIAL ARCHITECT is a production of the Aggrey Company and is presented by Maryland Public Television with an appropriation from MPT’s Center for Maryland History Films. 

About Maryland Public Television

Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) member offering entertaining and educational content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices via its online video player and the free PBS app. A state agency operating under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission, MPT also produces local, regional, and national programming and frequently earns regional Emmy® awards for its work. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through its Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources covering a wide range of topics. More information is available at mpt.org.

About the Aggrey Company 

The Aggrey Company was established to connect award-winning talent to stories that matter from concept to delivery. Its principal, Alexis Aggrey, has worked in television production since 2004, and her work includes long-form vérité documentary, community engagement, museum display and live concert production. The Aggrey Company combines celebrated producers, cinematographers, editors and composers to execute content on time and on budget. The company has a proven track record of producing well-researched historical content that maintains high production standards and has extensive experience collecting primary research and conducting scholarly interviews through relationships with historical societies, including the Library of Congress, the National Archives, private collectors and stock vendors. These relationships were formed when working for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Geographic, and several PBS projects. 

The Aggrey Company has a rich network of television contacts and has delivered award-winning content to local public media stations, PBS, Paramount+, ESPN+ and Smithsonian Channel. 

 

Guitarist Ron Bosse Drops 'Look At Us'

BOSTON, Mass. (16 JUNE 2025): Personal development gurus preach about the power of proximity, which contemporary jazz guitarist Ron Bosse has taken to heart. The critically-acclaimed fretman teamed up with three GRAMMY® winners – Paul Brown, Shane Theriot, and Brian Bromberg - for his new single, “Look At Us,” which drops on Friday (June 20) from Deep Cat Records.

Two-time GRAMMY® winner Brown has produced over sixty No. 1 singles by Boney James, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Al Jarreau, and many others. While Bosse is primarily known for his fiery and furious fusion guitar tracks featuring his prodigious speed and dexterous technique, Brown played Bosse a song that he wrote with Theriot and Bromberg that slows Bosse down and places his electric jazz guitar into a soulful R&B groove.  

“What really attracted me to ‘Look At Us’ is the lyrical nature of the melody. When I think of all the melodies I've played on my albums, many of them are more be-bop, jazz/fusion oriented. On ‘Look At Us,’ I felt that for the first time I was playing a melody as if I were a singer. This was such a beautiful musical setting to be put in. I'm a huge fan of pop, R&B, and rock music, which are primarily vocal driven. I have a lot of experience playing and teaching that music. Therefore, to put myself into that space and really let my guitar sing, it was incredibly inspiring and a totally new context for me. At the same time, despite it being new, I felt like I'd always been there as it was extremely comfortable and satisfying. Having the chance to really focus and communicate a beautiful melody is an immensely powerful, emotive, and expressive artistic experience,” said Bosse about the single that will be serviced to radio and begin collecting playlist adds on July 28.

Another interesting connection to “Look At Us” piqued Bosse’s attention. Theriot, longtime music director for Hall & Oates, wrote the song and played bass, keyboards, drums, and rhythm guitar on the track.

“When Paul (Brown) presented the song to me, I didn’t know about Shane’s (Theriot) incredible background as a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. However, I remembered his name from my past but couldn’t quite pinpoint where I knew it from. It finally came to me. When I graduated from Berklee College of Music some 25 years ago, I was profiled in the Spotlight section of Guitar Player magazine, a prestigious recognition and accolade at the time. It then dawned on me that the other guitarist chosen was Shane Theriot! The fact that this connection with Shane ultimately came full circle felt like the universe was telling me that ‘Look At Us’ was meant to be,” recalled Bosse, who Guitar Player magazine selected as an “Outstanding Guitarist” and called him “a master in the making.”

In addition to the accolades from Guitar Player magazine, Bosse’s recordings have garnered praise from JazzTimes, DownBeat, and the New York Times. As an innovative artist, musician, and composer, he thrives in collaborative settings, having shared the stage or studio with Norman Brown, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, MonoNeon, Bob Reynolds, Dave Liebman, Lil’ John Roberts, Gary Novak, and Jerry Bergonzi. Bosse is working on his next album, which will be produced by Paul Brown. Look for it in 2026.

To preorder “Look At Us,” go to Look At Us by Ron Bosse - DistroKid.

For more information, please visit http://www.ronbosse.com.

Black Music Month - June 2025: Celebrities Name Favorite Male R&B Singer

  

By Darlene Donloe

June is Black Music Month, a great time to celebrate its rich history.

Black musicians, singers, writers, and producers have contributed incredibly to the music industry for centuries.

This month is set aside to pay homage to all those individuals who, through their music, have made us smile, laugh, cry, dance, tap our feet, clap our hands, and swivel our hips.

President Jimmy Carter officially designated Black Music Month on June 7, 1979. It was during a reception at the White House, which featured performances by Chuck Berry, Billy Eckstine, Little Richard, and Andre Crouch.

June was first deemed ‘Black Music Month’ by Jimmy Carter and campaigned for by songwriter and producer Kenneth Gamble back in 1979.

Gamble brought forth the month, along with Cleveland radio DJ Ed Wright and media strategist Dyana Williams.

On May 31, 2016, President Barack Obama declared the month of June 2016 – ‘African American Music Appreciation Month’ in a presidential proclamation.

As the nation’s first Black president, Obama felt strongly that an official proclamation was more appropriate than just ‘Black Music Month’.

His proclamation calls Black music “Among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known.” President Obama called upon “Public officials, educators, and people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster an appreciation of African American music composed, arranged, or performed.

I caught up with some celebrities and asked them the following question.

Who are your top three male R&B singers?

Wendy Raquel Robinson

WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON: Prince, Michael Jackson, and Luther Vandross. My mother wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t say, Lou Rawls.

Michael Colyar

MICHAEL COLYAR (comedian) Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, and Marvin Gaye.

Bob James

BOB JAMES (musician)– Luther Vandross, Joe Williams, and El DeBarge.

Dave Koz

DAVE KOZ – Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, and Al Green.

Gina Torres

GINA TORRES: Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway. 

Tarell Alvin McCraney

TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY (‘Moonlight, also Geffen Playhouse artistic director) Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Michael Jackson.

Edwin Lee Gibson

EDWIN LEE GIBSON (The Bear) Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, and Al Green. 

Hattie Winston

HATTIE WINSTON: Teddy Pendergrass, Gregory Porter, Leslie Odom Jr.

Charles Floyd Johnson

CHARLES FLOYD JOHNSON (producer): Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson.

Matty Rich

MATTY RICH (Director – Birth of a Black Underworld, Straight Out of Brooklyn, The Inkwell) Luther Vandross, Tank, and Isaac Hayes.

Brandon Victor Dixon

BRANDON VICTOR DIXON (Broadway star and Emmy-nominated actor) Marvin Gaye, Wanya Morris, and Ray Charles.  My second three would be Luther Vandross, Jackie Wilson, and Levi Stubbs.

 

 

Actress Danielle Lee Greaves Stars in Award-Winning Musical, 'Parade'

 

Danielle Lee Greaves

By Darlene Donloe

Danielle Lee Greaves is no stranger to the stage.

The beautiful veteran actress with a personality that outshines Klieg lights has impressive Broadway credits, including the original casts of Hairspray and Show Boat, and the 2012 revival of A Streetcar Named Desire starring Blair Underwood.

Next for the talented thespian is her portrayal of Minnie McKnight in Michael Arden’s staging of the Tony Award-winning musical drama, ‘Parade,’ set for the Ahmanson Theatre June 17-July 12.

The show is based on the true story of Leo Frank's trial and lynching in early 20th-century Atlanta. Ostracized for his faith and Northern heritage, Jewish factory manager Leo Frank is accused of murdering a teenage factory girl the day of the annual Confederate Memorial Day parade.

Greaves, who appeared in the Broadway revival of Parade, will recreate her role as Minnie, Frank’s housekeeper, in the Ahmanson Theatre production.

(l-r) Danielle Lee Greaves and Talia Suskauer

I recently spoke to Greaves (DLG), a Harlem native who has appeared on several television shows, including Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, The Affair, The Americans, and Elementary, about the show and her career.

DD: What drew you to this role and this production of Parade?

DLG: I was given the offer. I previously worked with Michael Arden and Jason Robert Brown on other projects. It was a direct offer when it went up at City Center in New York. It’s a very heavy story. Our show is docu-theater. It’s not a traditional show. You will see actual images of the people who lived. I didn’t know the show. I knew it premiered in 1998, but I didn’t know it. Within that, I discovered the show and the character Minola ‘Minnie’ McKnight.

The cast of 'Parade'

DD: Tell me about her.

Leo Frank and Lucille Frank. Minnie was their housekeeper. She was entangled in the trial because she witnessed what happened in the house. Beyond that and previous to that, we know nothing about her. It was a frustrating quest to find out more about her. I appreciate telling a real woman’s story, especially a Black woman during that time.  I haven’t found much on her. I will honor her the best way I know how, within the scope of what I have. It’s the erasure of our history. Ancestry let me create a tree for her. Her husband, Albert, and she got married in 1910.

DD: What do you think happened to her?

DLG: She moved out of the city. She probably left Georgia. There are no records. It would have been a difficult time to stay at that time. There is a part of me that says she did stay. Maybe she was strong enough to stay and live her life. It’s a question I have about her. The reason Minnie had to testify is that her husband gave her up. Albert, who was 18, and Minnie, who was 24, were coerced into testifying. Later, she recants. She was held for three days in jail. She was in solitary.

DD: How do you prepare for a role that tackles complex themes like racial injustice and community?

DLG: I have a very strong connection to that period. I played several women at that time.

I am always fully aware of the difficulty of that time and how we had to maneuver to survive. It takes strength to be submissive. I did it wholeheartedly with respect. We did what we needed to do to survive, and I find it honorable to do so. We are in 1913 Georgia. This is a hard story to tell—dark elements. Subjugated, coming not too far out of slavery. – I have to tell the white cast members. I gently inform and explain how slavery fractured the Black family. The black relationship has taken a huge hit because of slavery. They separated us.

DD: How long have you been an actress?

DLG: I count from my first paid check as when I first became an actress. I don’t count college—that was the formative years. I didn't consider myself an artist until I got paid for it. In 1988, I graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. In August of 1988, I had my first paid job in Little Shop of Horrors.

DD: Did you always want to perform?

DLG: Yes, I always wanted to perform. I started as a dancer from when I was six until I was 15, at the Dance Theater of Harlem. I removed all the other disciplines and focused on ballet. When we got on point shoes, I changed my mind.

DD: Why?

DLG: They hurt. They hurt a lot. I knew I wasn't going to be Misty Copeland. I gave up my scholarship. I pivoted toward musical theater. I was in the All-City concert choir in New York.

DD: How does performing make you feel?

DLG: There is a freedom that comes like nothing else. To be able to tell stories through art and to be able to impact people’s lives. I’ve always loved storytelling.

DD: Looking back on your Broadway career, what are your most memorable moments or experiences?

DLG:  The show closest to my heart is Rent. I love doing that show. I moved from swing to principal in six months. I started on my first tour as a swing, then moved quickly to Joanne. My other most cherished is my very first Broadway show, the revival of Showboat.

DD: What advice would you give aspiring performers looking to break into the Broadway scene?

DLG: First of all, could you please assess if this is something you want to do? It's a lot of work—a lot of competition. You have to know who you are to your core. I’m still challenged, and I’ve been doing it for three decades. You have to want to do this. If in your soul you know that you know that you know. It’s wonderful. I get paid to play dress up and pretend—hard work, focus, self-confidence. When the show closes, I have to start over.

DD: What has been the most challenging aspect of working on Parade, and how have you overcome those challenges?

DLG:  When we moved to Broadway, I realized what this period required. I emotionally dug up – it became a weight. During rehearsal, we were protected. We talked a lot. We had an emotional support coach who gave us tools of de-rolling – where you release from some of the tough stuff in the show. When they offered me the tour, I could figure out how to purge, release, and leave it in the dressing room. I don’t carry it anymore. I used to isolate myself because I didn't think people understood my feelings. I could see that she could have joy. That changed how I approached her.

DD:  How do you go about deciding what roles to take?

DLG: If the part doesn't speak to me, I pass. In my baby years, I just wanted to work and took whatever came across my path. I’ve always worked in that way. My voice matters. If I see something that doesn't gel with me, I won’t bother.

DD:  Did you ever have a 9-5?

DLG: Yes, back when there was temp work. I did a lot of temp work. I worked at the Bronx Zoo. I was a wild encounter host at the Bronx Zoo. 

DD: How would you describe your career?

DLG: It’s been incredible. I started in my 20s playing the sassy best friend. Now I’m playing the matriarchs. Some people don't get a 40-year career. I have aged through. It’s a blessing to have a career you can age through. I can work until I don't want to work anymore.

Parade, directed by Michael Arden, with book by two-time Tony Award® winner Alfred Uhry, music and lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Jason Robert Brown, and co-conceived by 21-time Tony Award®-winner Harold Prince.

The show stars Max Chernin (Broadway Revival of Parade) and Talia Suskauer, who will play Leo and Lucille Frank.

Joining them will be Griffin Binnicker, Evan Harrington, Ramone Nelson, Jack Roden, Andrew Samonsky, Chris Shyer, Michael Tacconi, Alison Ewing, Olivia Goosman, Danielle Lee Greaves (Broadway Revival of Parade), Jenny Hickman, Robert Knight, Prentiss E. Mouton (Broadway Revival of Parade), Oluchi Nwaokorie, Ben Cherington, Emily Rose DeMartino (Broadway Revival of Parade), Bailee Endebrock (Broadway Revival of Parade), Caroline Fairweather (Broadway Revival of Parade), Trevor James, Sophia Manicone (Broadway Revival of Parade), Trista Moldovan, Ethan Riordan, Jason Simon and Brian Vaughn.  The swings will be William Bishop, Jerquintez A. Gipson, Brianna Javis, Benjamin Magnuson, Jodi Snyder, Eden Witvoet, and Jake Ziman. 

Parade, Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, 8 p.m., Tues.-Fri.; 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., one and 6:30 p.m. through July 12, 2025; $40.25; 213 628-2772.

LA Phil Announces New 2025 Ford Summer Season Concerts

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 11, 2025) — The LA Phil is pleased to announce the addition of two exciting new concerts to the 2025 Ford summer season, expanding an already eclectic lineup that reflects the richness of Los Angeles's cultural landscape. Hip-hop legends and a genre-defying composer take center stage in these newly added performances:

Rakim, Kurupt & Friends

East Coast meets West Coast when two of hip-hop’s most influential figures unite for a night celebrating rap’s golden era. Rakim and Kurupt—pioneers who elevated hip-hop to a lyrical art form—will be joined by special guests for an unforgettable performance under the stars (July 23).

Terry Riley's 90th Birthday Celebration

A full moon celebration of minimalist icon Terry Riley’s 90th birthday comes to The Ford stage, featuring performances of his seminal works In C and A Rainbow in Curved Air. The evening will include the Bang on a Can All-Stars, Riley’s son and longtime collaborator Gyan Riley and special guests in a cosmic tribute to one of the most visionary composers of the 20th century (September 7).

These additions continue The Ford’s commitment to presenting artistry that resonates with the diverse communities of Los Angeles.

TICKETING

Tickets are now on sale at theford.com. Programs, artists, dates, prices, and availability are subject to change. Ticket limits may apply. The LA Soundscapes series includes up to two free tickets for children 12 and under with the purchase of each full-price adult ticket.

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ABOUT THE FORD

The Ford is one of the oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles, with an outdoor 1,200-seat amphitheater and a rich history dating back to 1920. Situated in a 32-acre park and under the stewardship of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the Ford presents an eclectic summer season of music, dance, film, and family events that reflect the communities of Los Angeles.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC

Under the leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil offers live performances, media initiatives and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Performances are offered across four historic venues—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford and the Beckmen YOLA Center—as well as through a variety of media platforms. In all its endeavors, the LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic and learning experiences that resonate in our world today.

LA Phil Opens Its 2025 Hollywood Bowl Season

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 7, 2025) — The LA Phil opened its 2025 Hollywood Bowl season on June 7, 2025, with “An Evening with Hugh Jackman.” The Broadway and Hollywood star sang favorites from The Greatest Showman, The Boy from Oz, The Music Man, and more alongside Thomas Wilkins, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and musicians of YOLA (Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles). 

Other noted guests included Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn and Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger; Los Angeles County CEO Fesia Davenport, LA City Councilmember (Fourth District) Nithya V. Raman, Director of LA County Parks Norma Garcia and former Speaker of the California State Assembly Anthony Rendon; co-chairs Lisa Field, Robyn Field & Anthony O’Carroll, Monique & Jonathan Kagan, and Barbara & Jay Rasulo; Hollywood Bowl Opening Night Co-chair and Kaiser Permanente CEO Gregory A. Adams and Kaiser Permanente Regional President (Southern California) Michelle Gaskill-Hames. Kaiser Permanente is the official partner in health and harmony of the LA Phil. With more than 10,000 guests attending, Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl raised over $2.6 million to support the LA Phil and its Learning and community programs.

Wilkins and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra opened the celebratory evening with a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and Prokofiev’s March in B-flat before transitioning into a suite from Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. After a short video about the YOLA program, musicians from the youth orchestra joined the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra to perform LA Phil Composer Fellowship Program alum Ethan Chaparro’s A Troupe’s Cadence, after which the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Wilkins closed the first half with a suite of music from X2: X-Men United. 

After intermission, Jackman joined Wilkins and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for an evening of hits from his most memorable roles, interspersed with covers of classics by Neil Diamond, John Denver, Peter Allen, and Frank Sinatra. Eighteen YOLA musicians joined for “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.

The Hollywood Bowl 2025 season runs through Sunday, September 28, 2025, and tickets are on sale now. For more information on the 2025 Hollywood Bowl season, visit https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/. 

Iona Morris Jackson Directs Civil Rights Drama, 'Greenwood 1964'

Iona Morris Jackson

By Darlene Donloe

Iona Morris Jackson has been a staple in show business for decades.

Over the years, she’s been an actor, producer, dramaturg, dialogue coach, and director.

Some of her directing credits include multiple episodes of the TV series Black-ish, receiving nominations for the Hollywood Critics Award and the NAACP Image Award. Her stage directing credits include Sassy Mamas (NAACP Theatre Award), Broadway Under the Stars, Sheba, The Vagina Monologues, and solo shows for Jenifer Lewis, Blair Underwood, Kim Wayans, Tammi Mac, Michael Colyar, Penny Johnson Jerald, and more.

Morris Jackson came by her fame honestly. Her famous father, Greg Morris, was the handsome actor on the hit ‘60s television series, Mission: Impossible, and on Vega$.

Next for the multi-talented showbiz veteran is a turn as the director of the powerful play, ‘Greenwood 1964,’ set for its West Coast premiere at The Greenway Court Theatre, on Saturday, June 14.

The play, written by Mohamed Ali Ojarigi, thrusts audiences into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement during the pivotal summer of 1964.

It follows cultural icons Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte as they risk everything to uplift grassroots voices in the fight for voting rights.

‘Greenwood 1964' is a gripping and resonant theatrical experience that draws urgent parallels between past and present.

Based on an actual event, the story becomes a powerful testament to courage, solidarity, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

The cast includes Tracey Dukes (Lovesick, 4Play) as Harry Belafonte, Eltony Williams (Tyler Perry's If Loving You Is Wrong) as Sidney Poitier, and Joy DeMichelle (Grey’s Anatomy) as Fannie Lou Hamer.

A central creative force, Morris Jackson, a versatile storyteller and artistic visionary, brings to life the story of courage and resilience that defines ‘Greenwood 1964,’ a stirring reminder of the importance of unity and empathy in pursuing justice.

I recently spoke to Morris Jackson (IMJ) about directing the influential play, ‘Greenwood 1964.’

DD: What drew you to this project, and what’s your vision for bringing the story of the Civil Rights Movement in Greenwood, Miss, to life on stage?

IMJ:  What drew me there was to see these two iconic men [Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier] face this. These were men who had money. Kings and queens need to bow down to them. Both of them struggled when they were younger before making their fortune. Now they are hiding and are almost killed for what they believe in. They talk about what each one sees about their people, then face the arrogance and being comfortable where they sit, even when they are so far away.

DD: The play also talks about a powerful woman.

IMJ: The genius is when the writer brought in Fannie Lou Hamer. She didn't come to them to get the money. She is the voice of humility and reality. It forces the men to put a mirror up and say – What are you afraid of?

DD: What came to your mind when you first read the script?

IMJ: I thought we had moved so much further. I thought that we would never go back to what happened in 1964. We haven’t gotten as far as we thought.

DD:  You were alive during that time – and, I think, living in Hollywood.

IMJ: Yes, I lived in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. People are emboldened now. They know they can’t get in trouble. I’m interested in the struggle these two Black men go through. The question for them is - How do I make my million dollars several times a year, still clearly be part of my people, and understand what they are going through?

DD: So what did you find out about them?

IMJ: There is a lot of conversation and argument about who is right about handling this movement. Sidney is about talking and creating a relationship. Harry is very much boots on the ground. He will upend and march and align himself with civil rights leaders.  He is willing to go and do whatever needs to be done.  Which way is more effective? Can both things be right at the same time? That’s what they learn. There is value in each one’s stance. There is no value in pulling down the other one’s position. They realize they have the same goal in mind.

DD: What will the audience see?

IMJ: The audience will see a multimedia piece. It’s visual with sound and music. They will see the icons and then see the men. That’s what I hope they will see. Not just the movie star and the singer. All of that is there. But as we continue in the play, they will see what the men go through. They will also see what their children go through when they are not there.

DD: What does this story mean to you personally?

IMJ: It’s about two men facing their comfort in life. Their comfort is not shared by everyone. It has created a comfort in their lives that belies what their people are going through. The Klan is coming after them. The Klan comes to the house. The Klan is in the play. It’s about what they represent.

DD: Which is what?

IMJ: It’s about what Harry sees and what Sidney sees. Sidney considers that those men would still be alive if they hadn’t come down here. Now they are in a small attic that is filthy and spider-web infested. Things are broken. These men have not been in situations like this since they were kids.

DD:  Which man’s philosophy do you lean toward?

IMJ: Both can be true. I agree with both of them. My father was a culmination of Harry and Sidney in many ways. He spoke to kids from grade school to college. My father grew up with fewer means. I can see what Sidney’s point is. You need powerful forces. I’m not in the trenches that way, but I believe what Harry does needs to be done. Martin and Malcolm both have value. It’s when we argue that it gets mixed up.

DD:  How do you plan to balance historical accuracy with artistic expression in the production?

IMJ: I don't want to get in the way of the script of history. I hope it embellishes it. That’s my intention. I thrive on my instinct. I’m open to experimentation to see what works. I hope you will be in Mississippi with these men and be reminded of who they are.  We run footage of Fannie Lou Hamer, the people’s struggle, and the governor of Mississippi. All that is historical, so you can go back and see it. It will be right there on the screen. I’m hoping to touch everyone’s emotions.

DD: How did you and your team research and prepare for the production to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity?

IMJ: I directed a one-man show about Harry Belafonte, so I knew about the Greenwood incident. Still looking at videos of Harry and Sidney and their documentaries and interviews with them. I have leafed through the books. I’m finding out what I don’t know. I’m looking into SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee).

DD: In your research, what did you discover that you didn’t know?

IMJ: How powerful Fannie Lou Hamer was. I didn’t know how much Sidney was involved in civil rights. I didn’t know the depth of their relationship. Sidney and Harry were brothers. They are like a reconnection of a past life. They fight and love like brothers. Those two ‘larger than ego’ men have to put their differences aside. I also didn’t realize how many SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) kids were white.

DD: How can the play help audiences understand the complexities and challenges of the Civil Rights Movement?

IMJ: A lot of people are coming to understand that. We are in the struggle right now. More than understanding the Civil Rights Movement, they will look at what is happening now. What are they willing to do to help us not go backward?

DD: Why do you think this story is important to tell now, and how can it resonate with contemporary audiences?

IMJ: This is perfect timing. He wrote this 11 years ago. Now he’s doing a full production. It’s ideal for this time because it’s about understanding the civil rights movement. It’s happening right now. What’s beautiful is what the men know about each other. Now, neither one of them is wrong. Neither Harry nor Sidney is doing it wrong.  They both want change and confront it head-on because they are stuck in this attic together.

DD: Is seeing this show more critical for Black or white people? 

IMJ: Black people or white people? Can’t both be true? We take the audience on a journey. I hope the audience gets engaged emotionally, not just sits back and watches. I’m not interested in hearing, ‘Wow, these white people,’ but what?

DD: You were brought up in a showbiz family. Did you ever meet Harry Belafonte or Sidney Poitier?

IMJ: I never met Harry. I knew Sidney.  My dad (Greg Morris) knew them. Yes, I grew up in Hollywood in the entertainment business. I know that world. I was around in 1964. I know what it’s like for your dad to be gone during a birthday or graduation. I saw my dad go through racial profiling. 

DD: What have you learned about yourself while directing this show?

IMJ: I believe in the creative gods that are with us. I become a better director each time. I can see what works and what doesn’t work. My toolbox gets stronger. There is always a message in everything I direct - whether it's a comedy, drama, or a view my audience needs to have.  It might give them an ‘aha moment’.  Mirroring society is what our art form is about. Shit is going to happen in your life, no matter how much money you have.

‘Greenwood 1964,’ Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, opens on Saturday, June 14 at 7 p.m., Sun., June 15 at 7 p.m., Thurs., June 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m., Saturday, June 28 at 8 p.m., and Sun., June 29 at 7 p.m., $30, online ticketing: http://greenwaycourttheatre.org

Estimated Running Time: 75 minutes, no intermission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Husband and Wife Team Launches New Beauty Brand: Creator's Nature Blend

Melissa Summers Beauperthuy and Mario Beauperthuy

By Darlene Donloe

Melissa and Mario Beauperthuy, the husband and wife team behind Creator’s Nature Blend, a line of artisanal skincare products, began their journey with a shared passion for natural health and wellness. 

The result is a brand of skincare products sold nationwide that combines traditional wisdom with modern innovation, achieved through its commitment to natural ingredients and sustainable practices. 

The Black-owned and Christian-owned company, launched a year ago, advocates beauty from the inside out, utilizing high-performance, superior-quality ingredients harvested from the earth.

As Christian health educators and agriculturalists who own a 91-acre farm in LaGrange, 50 miles outside of Atlanta, Ga., the Beauperthuys, who have been married for a little over a year, understand the importance of using wholesome ingredients and sustainable practices in their products. 

The vision for the couple, who are currently looking to buy a farm in Los Angeles, was to create a brand that nourishes the skin and honors the natural world.  

The brand operates on the principle that “pure and natural” is best, using only ingredients that are actually grown” in their product formula.

Melissa Summers Beauperthuy, a seasoned health expert, said her husband is a master gardener and botanist who eats and breathes plants. A natural beauty with an infectious smile and vibrant personality, Beauperthuy describes herself as “medicinal.”

“When we were courting, he would look in the trees, and I would look at the ground,” said Beauperthuy. “We saw some purslane, which has the largest omega-3 fatty acids in the plant kingdom.”

The Beauperthuys are dedicated to their brand. They get up at 4:30 a.m. each morning for personal and family devotion before starting their day. 

“I do the orders, while Mario goes out to the farm,” Beauperthuy said. “We usually shut it down around 9:30 p.m.” 

Beauperthuy took a circuitous route to Creator’s Nature Blend. Three days after graduating from high school, she joined the Army, where she served for three years, first going to a signal installation in Fort Gordon, Georgia.

“I loved it,” she said. “I wanted to go to college for free. I had a background in radio and television.  When ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ came out, I was doing a morning show in the Army. I was 18 years old.” 

Years later, Beauperthuy was helping out at a lifestyle center, where she met her now husband, Mario. 

“He had sold everything he had and trained at the center to do natural health,” she said. “He was a farmer. He was also a single dad. Eventually, we came together because we both wanted to help people. We didn’t have anything against traditional medicine. We just knew there was another way. When we decided to start, the Lord systematically revealed how to put our business together. Within that same week, the Lord gave us the name of the company and the exact ingredients to do what we needed. Creator’s Nature Blend was born.”

The product line, locally sourced from wildcrafting and farmlands and cultivated in small batches, offers serums, tinctures, extracts, and tonics.

“We want to get to the root of what’s wrong with people,” Beauperthuy said. “We are on a crusade. It’s a no-brainer.”

Each product is carefully crafted using natural ingredients, such as plants and herbs, sustainably sourced from the company's farm and other local suppliers.

Every product is designed to promote healthy, glowing skin, from soothing skin serums to rejuvenating face creams. 

One of the unique aspects of Creator’s Nature Blend is its “farming to face” approach. 

The Beauperthuys grow many of the ingredients used in their products on their farm, ensuring that every step of the process is done with care and attention to detail.  

This approach not only guarantees the quality of the ingredients but also reduces the brand’s carbon footprint. 

Creator’s Nature Blend, available strictly online, is more than just a beauty brand; it’s a community-driven initiative. 

The Beauperthuys are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise with others, offering workshops and educational resources on natural health and wellness. 

Their goal is to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being while promoting sustainable living practices. 

As the year-old brand grows, the Beauperthuys remain committed to their core values of natural integrity, sustainability, and community. 

Beauperthuy, 57, said love, prayer, and faith are the essential ingredients in every product.

“We harvest the ingredients,” said Beauperthuy, who describes herself and her husband as missionaries. The first two ingredients are love and prayer, followed by lavender (anti-inflammatory) and comfrey (a skin healer that helps with oxidation). 

The Skin Restoration Serum is the best-selling and flagship product. It tightens pores, smooths wrinkles, fades scars, evens discoloration, and banishes dark circles.  

Packed with high-end, skin-regenerative ingredients, including Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Purslane, Plantain, and Comfrey, the blend transforms, rejuvenates, and restores skin’s natural glow.

In addition to product benefits of reducing scars and wrinkles, balancing skin tone, tightening skin, increasing elasticity, and brightening dark circles, the serum achieves a youthful glow in the user’s skin through natural and gentle stimulation of the skin regeneration process. 

The Skin Restoration Serum also stimulates skin regeneration, reduces scars and wrinkles, evens out discolorations, fades dark circles, tightens skin, and increases elasticity.

Other products in the product line include Bitter Melon Tincture (designed to boost wellness and vitality), Ginkgo Biloba Extract (harnesses a myriad of benefits for the mind, body, and skin), Muscadine Seed and Skin Syrup (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities), and Ultra Hair Growth Tonic (unlocks the secret to radiant, flourishing hair). 

Creator’s Nature Blend products aim to inspire others to embrace a more natural and sustainable approach to beauty and wellness. 

One of Beauperthuy’s dreams/goals is for their business to ‘be bigger than life, and for the world to see the Creator’s Nature Blend.’ 

“Financially, the goal is to have us in a place where when someone needs help, we can help them. We prayed on this mission. We have a ministry called M&M Powerhouse Health. That’s our ministry.” 

The other goal is empowering individuals to control their health and well-being while promoting sustainable living practices. 

“We are on a crusade,” said Melissa Beauperthuy. “It's a no-brainer. We are now consulting as health educators to do consultations. We want to get to the root of what’s wrong with people. The cure is in the cause. There is a saying from the Bible, ‘The leaves are for the healing of the nations.’ Our core message is that God loves us so much that he put healing powers at the touch of our hands – if we would reach.”

For information: www.thecreatorsnatureblend.com