Toward a more just world.
An evening of original work written in response to Layla F. Saad’s Me and White Supremacy. Locally-based theater artists Gracy Brown, Tenisi Davis, Tamika Pettway, and Terrence Riggins continue Dr. King’s legacy through four new monologues, performed on stage at Westport Country Playhouse. Created for the 2021 Celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
MEET THE ARTISTS
WATCH IT AGAIN
A call to action
In 2021 for our community’s 15th annual celebration of the life and work of Dr. King, the Playhouse once again partnered with the Westport Library, TEAM Westport, The Westport/Weston Interfaith Council, and theWestport/Weston Interfaith Clergy.
Together, we invite our entire community — those who live, work, study, and participate in the life of Westport, Fairfield County, and adjacent counties — to join us as we began the work needed in 2021 to meet King’s call to action, as urgent now as it was in 1968. For a members of a community such as Westport, that began with a challenge to understand our place of comfort and the work we each, as individuals, need to do to transform ourselves and our society into a more equitable and just one.
The 2021 celebration took place on online; three different events, that expanded opportunities to be engaged and meet the moment. We launched our call to action on Sunday, January 17, 2021, with a rare opportunity to hear Layla F. Saad, celebrated author of Me and White Supremacy. Then on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, we joined together as a community for tools and motivation to begin our challenge; and on Thursday, January 21, 2021, we closee with an inspirational evening of monologues from four Black theater artists responding to the work of Dr. King and the themes of Ms. Saad’s book.
All events were FREE and open to the public with RSVP.
MEET LAYLA F. SAAD
RELATED EVENTS
Sun, Jan 17 at 12PM: Interview with Layla F. Saad
Layla F. Saad, celebrated author of the groundbreaking book Me and White Supremacy, will discuss her work with TEAM Westport’s Bernicestine McLeod Bailey. As a widely read writer, a globally sought speaker, and a national podcast host, Layla F. Saad is passionate about creating inspiration, education and activation for personal and collective change in the world. Her work is driven by a powerful desire to become a good ancestor; to live and work in ways that leave a legacy of healing and liberation, especially for Black girls and Black women. Hosted by TEAM Westport.
See the recorded event through Thursday, January 21, at 7:00PM on the Westport Library’s Vimeo Channel.
Tue, Jan, 19 at 7PM: What Can I Do Next?
Tools and support for the 28-day challenge.
Toward the goals of accepting our roles and responsibilities in building a more perfect union, join community leaders from our partner organizations as they discuss ways to participate in the 28-challenge from Me and White Supremacy. Hosted by WestportREADS.
Missed it live? Watch a recording on the Westport Library YouTube channel.
Panelists
Jenny Nelson
Director of Education and Community Outreach
Westport Country Playhouse
Rev. Alison Patton
Pastor of Saugatuck Congregational Church, UCC
Harold Bailey Jr.
Chair, TEAM Westport
Mon, Feb 1: Our 28-Day Challenge Begins
Me and White Supremacy: A 28-Day Challenge to Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor
When Layla F. Saad ran a free month-long Instagram challenge during the summer of 2018, she had no idea it would become an international cultural movement. Thousands of people from around the world were galvanized by the #MEANDWHITESUPREMACY challenge, examining and owning responsibility for the ways in which they uphold white supremacy.
Beginning on February 1, during Black History Month, the greater Westport community will embark upon Ms. Saad’s challenge.
The Westport Library has a limited number of books and e-books available to lend. Reserve one here. If you would like to purchase your own copy, we encourage you to reach out to Black-owned independent bookstores.
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