St. Mary’s Community Church hosted a historic “roll call” in honor of its annual Black Heritage Celebration. Six historic African Americans were played by prominent members of the Plant City community.
Justice Thurgood Marshall was played by Rev. Edward Singleton. Maya Angelou was played by Commissioner Mary Mathis. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was played by Rev. Dr. Larry Sykes. Oprah Winfrey was played by Sharon Moody, president of the Plant City's Black Heritage Celebration. Namesake of Marshall Middle School, E.J. Marshall, was played by Williams Thomas Jr., president of the Improvement League of Plant City. Nina Simone was played by Sandra Harrell.
During the event, each character told a story of the work they have done to better their community. Some sang, others recited speeches and a theme of perseverance and dedication shone through the event.
Though each historic figure had vastly different personalities and passions, all lived their lives fighting for equality in their own unique way in hopes the generations to come would be given a brighter future. The skit blended an educational message with an inspiring undercurrent of emotion, encouraging all those in attendance to evaluate what they had to offer to society and begin working toward making the world a better place.
The struggles of great leaders like Dr. King Jr. were intertwined with those like local revolutionary E.J. Marshall, who dedicated his life to his community. Though many did not live to see their dream come to fruition, Sarah Governor, director of Education at St. Mary’s, said the perseverance embodied by each individual should live on in 2018.