The Ground on Which We Stand: An Exploration of Black Excellence
The Baltimore Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in partnership with Baltimore Center Stage are pleased to present The Ground on Which We Stand: An Exploration of Black Excellence. This one-time performance will feature music, dance, art, film and projection technology highlighting breakthrough moments in history.
The program will be created and performed in collaboration with children of Jack and Jill, an organization dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders. For this performance, 100 Baltimore Chapter youth (ages 3–18) were challenged to match the excellence of the best of the artistic canon.
Luminaries whose work will be celebrated include poet Langston Hughes, author and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, photographer James Van Der Zee, author Zora Neale Hurston, singer Billie Holiday, novelist and poet James Baldwin, choreographer Debbie Allen, ballet dancer Misty Copeland, inventor Elijah McCoy, astronaut Michael Anderson, politician Shirley Chisholm, boxer Joe Louis and many others.
“The Ground on Which We Stand will celebrate the iconic African American voices who have redefined history, including those behind the scenes whose revolutionary contributions are rarely lauded,” said Hana S. Sharif, associate artistic director at Center Stage and director of the performance. “It’s so important for the next generation to see themselves as part of this continuum of excellence. We’ve encouraged the young people participating in the program to challenge themselves creatively—the performance will truly showcase their many skills and talents.”
The performance will also include a pre-show gallery display in the theater lobby highlighting paintings and photographs by the children, curated by two Jack and Jill teens.