“I, Barbara Jordan” Drama on Dynamic Black Congresswoman from Texas February 24-26 in Harlem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 24, 2012 -- The National Black Touring Circuit’s Black History Month Play Festival will present “I, Barbara Jordan,” a dynamic look at the first African American woman from the South to be elected to Congress, at the National Black Theatre, 2031 Fifth Avenue from February 24-26.

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“I, Barbara Jordan” Drama on Dynamic Black Congresswoman from Texas February 24-26 in Harlem

“I, Barbara Jordan,” which stars Toni Seawright, is directed by Woodie King. The play celebrates the remarkable life and career of the eminent Texas orator, legislator and teacher, who was Texas’ first African-American woman state senator. Jordan, the first African American woman from the South to be elected to Congress (serving from 1973 to 1979), also became the first African-American woman to deliver the keynote address at a Democratic National Convention in 1976. The play was originally commissioned by The Alley Theatre. Seawright, the first African American Miss Mississippi, has been featured on Nickelodeon, the Broadway production “Street Corner Symphony” and the national touring company of “The Wiz” with Stephanie Mills.

On Saturday, February 25, psychologist and political activist Dr. Lenora Fulani will have a presentation on Jordan. Dr. Fulani has long been active in creating change through political action. She has twice run for president as an independent. In l988 she became the first woman and first African American in U.S. history to appear as a presidential candidate on the ballot in all 50 states. In 1994 she co-founded the Committee for a Unified Independent Party, a national strategy center for independent voters which currently has networks in more than 30 states. She is a founder of the Independence Party of New York State.

The Black History Month Play Festival performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm. Tickets are $20. For more information call (212) 279-4200.

Throughout February, the National Black Touring Circuit’s Black History Month Play Festival has explored the lives of African American historical figures A. Philip Randolph, Zora Neale Hurston, Adam Clayton Powell and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. Guest speakers have included: Amiri Baraka, poet, playwright, author and scholar on A. Philip Randolph and both Dr. Brenda Green, director, National Black Writers Conference and Lucy Anne Hurston, niece and biographer, on Zora Neale Hurston.

The Black History Month Play Festival is produced by Woodie King, Jr., the producer/director of the National Black Touring Circuit and Kim Weston-Moran, associate producer. “These plays remind us that it’s important to honor the determination and accomplishments of these African American political heroes,” said King. “Each of them had a major role in changing and impacting American history and culture.”

The National Black Touring Circuit was founded in 1974, by Woodie King, Jr. to make existing Black theatre productions available to a larger audience by presenting to the Black communities at large, to colleges, to Black art centers, and to resident professional theatres. The program is funded by NYSCA, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and Contracted Booking Fees.

Barbara Jordan     Harlem     I     Lenora Fulani     National Black Theatre     National Black Touring Circuit     NYC Cultural Affairs     Toni Seawright     Woodie King