An addition to local Juneteenth-related events this weekend, via Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson:
New York playwright and actress Ingrid Griffith will be presenting her one-woman “immersive and interactive” show about 1972 presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm Saturday night at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road).
It’s called “Unbossed and Unbowed,” and it starts at 7 p.m. in the black box theater.
The title is a variation of Chisholm’s campaign theme, “Unbossed and Unbought,” which also was the title of her memoir.
Chisholm was a Congresswoman from the New York City area when she launched the first campaign by a Democratic Party woman and the firt by an African-American of either major party.
She was dubbed “Fighting Shirley” for her tenacity on racial, gender and social issues during her political career.
She was the first black female member of Congress when she was first elected in 1968, and served until 1983.
In her presidential bid, Chisholm received votes in 14 states and finished seventh among Democratic candidates. She also was the first woman to be invited to a presidential debate.
Chisholm died at the age of 80 in 2005.
Griffith, who has been involved in numerous off-Broadway theater productions, has performed the Chisholm show in the New York area and is in the Atlanta area this weekend with another show scheduled for Decatur.
She said on her website about the show that “I’ve been moved to write and share Shirley Chisholm’s story in the hope that more people will become aware of her contributions and appreciate how her voice resonates today.
“I’m drawn to tell stories about the immigrant experience, about being an outsider and daring to be one’s self. I’m interested in social norms and cultural barriers that keep girls and women down, and in stories that promote and celebrate girls and women’s empowerment.”
The Sewell Mill Library performance of “Unbossed and Unbowed” is free but you’re asked to sign up in advance by clicking here.
Griffith also is accepting donations for her work at this link.
Related:
- Cobb Library System compiles booklist for Pride Month
- Summer art camps set for The Art Place, Sewell Mill Cultural Center
- East Cobb author publishes book on Civil War-era newspaper
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