This week is the last of a series of events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that struck down racial segregation in public schools nationwide.
Up first is the theatrical production “Now Let Me Fly,” which will be presented on Fri., May 17 at 7 p.m. in White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus. The play dramatizes the journeys of the unsung heroes and heroines who battled for educational equality, culminating in the historic Brown v. Board case.
The evening is emceed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott, and the play features an acclaimed cast that includes songstress Deborah Joy Winans of the Winans musical family, Jason Dirden from the hit OWN TV series Greenleaf, and Harvey Williams, founder of the KC Melting Pot Theatre. Under the direction of Darren Canady, with music by Tyson Williams, the show promises a riveting and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.
Admission to this commemorative performance is completely free to the public. However, due to limited seating, guests must reserve complimentary tickets in advance online at 70thAnniversaryBrownCoalition.org or by calling the box office at 785-506-7768.
The following day, May 18, the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park is hosting a homecoming celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their headquarters in the former Monroe Elementary School, where the pivotal Brown case originated. This meaningful event welcomes back former students, staff and teachers from Monroe as well as Topeka’s other historically segregated Black elementary schools like Buchanan, McKinley and Washington.
Attendees can participate in a roundtable discussion, during which former students can share stories, enjoy musical performances, take class photos on Monroe’s front porch, and engage in family activities on the north lawn. The Kansas State Historical Society will also be on-site digitizing historical artifacts and documents related to the segregated Topeka schools for its archives.
“Now Let Me Fly”
May 17 at 7 p.m.
White Hall at Washburn University
1700 SW Jewell Ave, Topeka
Free tickets reserved online at www.70thAnniversaryBrownCoalition.org
Reservations by phone at 785-506-7768
Brown v. Board Homecoming
May 18 at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site
Monroe Elementary School
1515 SE Monroe St, Topeka
Free to Attend
