I’m grateful to Teri Cross Davis for bringing me on what started as an oral history project through Cave Canem to preserve and share the legacy of the great Jennifer L. Nelson.
For those who don’t know, Jennifer is a two-time Helen Hayes Award-winner. She empowered people in the margins and transformed a coalition of artists into a full-producing theater company. She also launched careers while being a pioneer in hip-hop theater.
I thank Marilyn Nelson for trusting me to tell her sister’s story and allowing me to expand the project to a mini-documentary featuring Deidra LaWan Starnes, Jefferson A Russell, Toni Blackman, Raël Nelson James, and others!
For educators, a teaching guide is in the works! If you’re interested in screening this mini-doc with your classes, please contact me.
I would also encourage others to hold their screenings or watch parties.