Children’s Legacy Theatre is thrilled to share a special event you won’t want to miss: the debut of a powerful and original play of historical significance, “Until I’m Free: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story.” It will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Family Theater, Washington, D.C., Thursday, June 19, 2025, starting at 6 p.m. This performance is free and open to the public.
Back in the mid-1960s, when my family had relocated to Washington, D.C., and Children’s Legacy Theatre was settling in, I had heard about the Kennedy Center. I was working and purchased tickets for me and my three sisters to go to a show. Children’s Legacy Theatre looked great, and we took photographs that are still in our family photo album many years later. This is your opportunity to go and take your family. Remember, tickets are free and open to the public. You will enjoy the play, and I promise you will enjoy watching this true story of the life of activist Fannie Lou Hamer.
This Ward 8, youth-led production brings to life the story of civil rights legend Fannie Lou Hamer, a woman whose courage and conviction helped change American democracy. Through live music, dance, moving performances and immersive storytelling, this play calls us to remember, reflect and rise.
Children’s Legacy Theatre is a youth-powered nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., that provides meaningful employment and creative opportunities for young people, using the arts to prevent violence, inspire civic leadership and promote pride in Black history and culture.
Why This Matters: Fannie Lou Hamer’s story resonates now more than ever; CLT youth are using their voices to preserve legacy and shape futures; the performance highlights the power of storytelling in community healing and action. Children’s Legacy Theatre would love for you to join them in celebrating Juneteenth with this inspiring, intergenerational event. Please consider attending, sharing with your networks or covering the event in your community calendar.
According to their website, here is an upcoming activity that may be of interest. The 10 Minute Play Festival is coming this summer. The company will host a six-week program that leads to the 10 Minute Play Festival.
Students from the MBSYEP enroll in this program and learn the basics of theater from playwriting, acting, sound and lights, props, set design, public relations and marketing, choreography and wardrobe design.
CLT is proud to be in its third-year partnership with the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. For six weeks each summer, more than 100 teens, ages 14 to 17, partner with CLT theater arts professionals, attending workshops to prepare for the festival, where they learn playwriting, directing, acting, costume design, set design, light/sound design, stage management and prop design. After the workshop sessions, the teens are put in charge of managing all rehearsals, including opening and closing performances.
“I have learned a lot this summer,” says MBSYEP teen Damaiya Stewart, light designer trainee. “I feel like working here has helped me develop my character, and I met a lot of new friends.”
Derrick Hawkins, Roosevelt High School senior and amateur photographer, explains, “I was hired as a supervisor, supervising a staff of four teens. I learned to be patient, teach others what I’ve learned, and supervising isn’t easy. But the creativity I’ve been able to share made it worthwhile.”
Kayla, play director trainee, says, “I didn’t even know I could direct a play. I got a lot of support and guidance from CLT staff, and I got to use my own ideas.”
“Children’s Legacy Theatre is proud to support the work of this organization. Children’s Legacy Theatre looks forward to the community coming out to support the creative and challenging work of these incredibly talented teens,” said Phil Pannell, executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council and CLT sponsor.
Children’s Legacy Theatre knows you share their passion for youth in the theater arts. So they are reaching out to you now asking for your financial support to ensure teen artists can continue to make their valuable contributions to our community. Please consider sponsoring at the gold, silver or bronze level.
As Children’s Legacy Theatre prepares for their eighth annual 10 Minute Play Festival, they thank you for supporting Wards 7 and 8 teens.
For more information, visit www.childrenslegacytheatre8.org or call (202) 710-7819. Let history move you. Let Fannie Lou Hamer speak to your soul.
In purpose and performance, Jackie Carter, who serves as the executive director of Children’s Legacy Theatre. The email address and phone number: childrenslegacytheatre8@gmail.com; 202-710-7819.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
