By Dawn Scotland
Guest Column
The New Writers Work Series presented “The Resurrection of Malcolm X” in celebration of Malcolm X’s 100th Birthday at Kent Branch Library Wednesday, May 21. The original stage production, written by Detroit author and journalist Eddie B. Allen, Jr., featured Cleveland-based actor Grant (Steward) Walker and local actor Richard Brown III. The performance was free and open to the public.
The unique stage play featured a one-man performance by Walker with supporting acting by Brown. The production highlighted historic multimedia images of the life of Malcolm X.
“We have a great admiration for Malcolm X and in the spirit of the celebrations that were taking place and are still taking place across the country– it just made sense,” stated Allen. [We’re hoping] that folks that weren’t as familiar would learn from a dramatization of his life. We didn’t want [Toledo] to be left out.”
Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19, 1925, Malcolm X’s magnification into a world-renowned advocate for racial and social justice included a stint in prison that led to an introduction to the Nation of Islam. From the late-1940’s to his assassination in 1965, his life was “a chronology of changes,” as his autobiography describes it, which ultimately impacted his fearless stance against white supremacy, and later influenced multiple generations of activists and artists.
The play is a revision of the original work which was first written in the late 1990s and re-staged for this historic moment honoring the revered icon.
“Malcolm’s dignity and his integrity and his honor – it grows and grows – particularly in this world we that we live in right now. We don’t have a lot of people that have honor and integrity. And in portraying him I at least try to feel some of his spirit and it’s timeless. He was a very, very kind and very decent man,” reflected actor Grant Walker.
“Malcolm is very personal and very much and inspiration,” he continued.
Following the performance the audience and the production team engaged in a discussion about the play as well as topics ranging on the life, death and legacy of Malcolm X.
Established in 1985 by Imelda Hunt, PhD, The New Works Writers Series is celebrating its 40th year of producing stage plays, poetry and workshops that promote Black arts and culture throughout northwest Ohio.
The New Works Writers Series will present for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at 8 p.m. at Maumee Indoor Theatre.
To learn more about the New Writers Work Series visit their Facebook and Instagram page.