When Tatum Primus, an 11th grader at Benjamin Banneker High School in Northwest D.C., took on the role of hip-hop superstar Queen Latifah for this year’s “Blacks in Wax,” she knew she had a lot of work ahead to prepare for the role.
“Before I did this role, I knew what a queen she was,” said Tatum, 16. “I wanted to learn more, so I did a lot of research. I learned how much she put into the hip-hop movement.”
Tatum said she watched many BET Awards shows to get a sense of Queen Latifah’s speech, diction, fashion sense and mannerisms. She also watched Queen Latifah’s music videos and some episodes of “The Equalizer,” in which the multi-hyphenated artist stars on CBS.
Tatum showcased her hard work at THEARC on Friday during the “Blacks in Wax” program at THEARC in Ward 8. “Blacks in Wax” is an annual showcase of talent that highlights Black history, and this year’s theme — “Hip-Hop: The Music, The Culture, The Struggle” — celebrated the music genre’s 50th anniversary. There will be another performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on March 16.
Like Tatum, young performers such as Chyanne Burrows-Washington and Jacob Mullings, were transformed from local students to celebrated artists such as Rev. Run and Jam Master Jay of Run DMC.
The 53 students who participated in Blacks in Wax are part of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC). Shiba Freeman Burke wrote the vignettes (short skits) based on the theme.
As part of Blacks in Wax, in its 17th year, SETLC scholars research prominent Black figures and undergo coaching and acting sessions for performances. Former D.C. first lady Cora Masters Barry, the CEO and founder of the Recreation Wish List Committee and the SETLC, has facilitated the Blacks in Wax program from the start.
“‘Blacks in Wax’ is a huge undertaking every year,” Barry, 78, said. “There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into putting on this production. But when I see the transformation of youth from themselves to iconic historical figures, I know it’s worth every painstaking moment.”
A Living History Museum
Before the main show, attendees to the evening show had the chance to observe the actors dressed in “Blacks in Wax” characters in the foyer.
While some of the characters were connected to hip-hop, others portrayed celebrated Black history makers such as Angela Davis (Ah’Briah Butler) and Maya Angelou (Ma’at Gray).
For the main show in the theater, political notables D.C. Council members Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and Robert White (D-At Large) joined hundreds of people to watch the two-hour production. The SETLC Dance Troupe, choreographed and directed by Chanel Colbert of the Chanel Colbert Dance Company, performed dances to hip-hop songs.
Afterward, 31 actors performed vignettes on the hip-hop figures they researched.
Some actors performed the dancing routines of their subjects, such as Frey Moore, who portrayed MC Hammer, and the crowd delighted in the flattering imitations, such as youngster Isabelle Wright’s speech imitating Yo-Yo.
Dylan Perry, a freshman at Banneker High School, portrayed C. Delores Tucker, a 20th-century political activist who challenged the vile rap lyrics of the 1990s. Dylan said she studied Tucker’s life and work to portray her effectively.
“I looked at videos of her and I talked to people like Mrs. Barry about C. Delores Tucker,” Dylan, 14, said. “My parents also knew about her.”
Dylan said she was inspired by Tucker’s advocacy against the vile lyrics of hip-hop and admired her courage to stand up “for what she believed in.”
Barry said she was impressed by the evening show.
“I am so happy so many people decided to come out,” she said.
