This past week I was able to partner with Opera Columbus. I attended and Opera whose concept and creation is by Destiny Coleman, called " The Journey". When I think about the word journey, I think about getting to a destination over a period of time, with sometimes encountering some trials along the way.
At times, no matter what race we are, our perception of things and live is either because of what we've been taught, or just based off of what we've been told. At times we even have issues and problems with certain things that we have never researched nor experienced for ourselves. Slavery is one of those subjects. If you don't already know, slavery was not originated in America. It started way back in the Bible times before our time. In order to understand things including scripture, you have to go back and find out what was going on during that time, why it says what it says, so that you do not create your own interpretation.
This Opera " The Journey" did an amazing job of depicting that. Not only did they show black history, but they started by showing us how slavery started. How Africans were brought to the United states, sometimes enduring more than a months journey just to get here. They went through the times of the Harlem Renaissance, all the way to the Civil Rights Movement.
Music is something that I am apart of and love, so besides the history, the music was amazing. From the musicians, to each soloist and the choir, everyone was awesome. It's amazing to be able to tell a story through singing, poetry, dancing and spoken word. I was able to connect with each because of how well they played their parts. It was also nice to see that they featured local artists. People not only love to connect when seeing a performance, but I believe part of that connection sometimes, is seeing local talent.
If I could take one thing away from this performance, it would be find out who you are, and where you came from. What people in your culture endured so that you can freely live the life that you are living today. Don't just believe things because people tell you, research them for yourselves. Don't choose be angry with those who may have contributed to the hurts that your people endured, forgive. So many fought for our rights and freedom and would be very disappointed at the way we treat each other today. Don't allow what they did, for even some that died to be in vain.
As I was walking out of the theater, there was an older white woman beside me talking about how she marched in the "Civil Rights Movement" and how she couldn't believe that some of the problems during that time are still going on today. For those of us that are Christians, please remember that it is our responsibility to love regardless because God loves us. We fall short so many times, have treated people wrong and more, but he still loves us.
There was only one performance of this show, pictures don't do it justice. However, should they ever do it again, I 100% recommend it! Thank you again to all who entered this giveaway, there will soon be more to come.
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