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FLIGHT
The Voice of African-American Womanhood
Volume XXXIV No^ February 15, 1991
SPECIAL!!! Celebration In Black
Pull-Out Section Pages 5-8
Valentine’s Day Extra! "Love in the A.U.C."
Pages 10-11
Family Weekend
Illustration by Aurellia James.
Celebration in Black:
A Preview
By Sheena Watson
Black is back and better than ever.
This year’s 7th annual production
of "Celebration in Black" is promising
to be a truly gala affair.
This musical drama involves almost
100 students from all over the Atlanta
University Center who have been
working and planning the production
since November 1990.
This year’s theme, "The Music
Saved Us,” was taken from an
overview of African-American history.
Music has always played an important
role in our lives from the Motherland
with our drums, through slavery with
spirituals, to the present with our
varied rhythms and sounds - reggae,
house, jazz, rhythm and blues. . . you
name it.
"Music has always been there for
us and carried us through," said
producer Cozie Reaves.
Reflecting the theme of family
weekend, the entire show focuses on
the 100th birthday of the great
grandmother of a family.
In search of the most outstanding
aspect of the great-grandmother’s life,
the family discovers that music was the
most prominent motif.
Flashbacks in history include a
scene set in Africa, a scene from
slavery, and scenes from the ’20s and
’60s.
Music was an outlet for African-
Americans and we expressed the music
through dance.
About 40 dancers who have been
rehearsing daily will perform a variety
of dances, including African, lyrical,
hip-hop, house, tap and jazz.
"The dancing this year is a lot
more involved," said choreographer
Sherri Sullivan.
The producers and performers
believe that in comparison to last year’s
performance, this year’s production is
less radical.
"We wanted to harp on what went
right throughout our history instead of
what went wrong," said Reaves.
Thus, an attempt was made to keep
this year’s show more positive, light
hearted and entertaining.
"‘Celebration in Black’ is getting to
be a better production with each year
involving more and more students,"
said Shawna Green, the creative
consultant. "We are working hard and
hope that you enjoy the show."
1’he show is approximately two
hours long and will be performed
Saturday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb.
17, beginning promptly at 8 p.m.
Saturday’s performance will be for
parents and invited guests only.
Sunday’s performance will be general
admission, mainly students.
"Preparation has been a lot of fun
and a lot of hard work, and it is going
to be a wonderful production," said
Keelah Nurse, stage manager.
The stage crew, choreographers,
producers, actors and dancers have
proven "Celebration in Black’s" worth
throughout. The evening’s performance
promises more genuine talent and
exciting surprises.
For a night of sheer, free
entertainment, celebrate the evening at
a true celebration. . . in Black!