The touring company performed two shows at Lee thanks to funds from Lee Elementary PTO and a grant from the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation. Their show encouraged students to do good things in the world, respect others, stand up for what they believe in, work hard, and never give up.
The show was a high-speed lesson featuring prominent African Americans in history. During the 45-minute show, students met famous people like Harriet Tubman, a Tuskegee Airman, singer Aretha Franklin, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Olympian Willma Rudolph, actor, singer and director Will Smith, and astronaut Mae Jamison. Writer Maya Angelou, a Buffalo Soldier, heart surgeon Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and abolitionist and women’s rights advocate Sojourner Truth.
The two-actor show was packed with history but also reminders to students to believe in themselves, work hard, and never give up. Words like “discrimination,” "segregation," “abolitionist,” and “slavery” were explained in simple ways for the young students to understand.
One actor played the various roles of famous African Americans. As Sojourner Truth she reminded students to make their world a better place. As a Buffalo Soldier she inspired students to work hard and never give up even when given the most difficult tasks.
Appearing as Harriett Tubman, she told students to make the work a much better place and as singer Aretha Franklin, she talked about respect for all. Later she appeared as Rosa Parks reminding students to stand up for what they believe in and as Olympic gold medal winner Wilma Rudolph she encouraged students to never underestimate the power of their dreams and that potential lives in all of them.
As Will Smith she encouraged students to do good things and from writer Maya Angelou, she encouraged the power of hope. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. offered the power of peace.
Bright Star Touring Theatre is a national touring theatre company based in North Carolina. Their mission is to challenge, engage, and delight audiences all over the world. They’ve performed for schools and communities all across the United States and in many foreign countries. The company offers more than 70 different shows covering topics such as classic literature, health and wellness, STEM, Diversity and Inclusion, Bullying Prevention, Cyber Safety, and Social-Emotional Learning.
The performance also tied into each class going on their own walk of fame. Posters of prominent people, like Martin Luther King Jr., and astronaut Mae Jamison gave students some insight into some of the people they would learn about from Bright Star’s show.
There were also local heroes - like Minnie McFall, and Rebecca Lee whose names were used to name McFall and Lee elementary schools. TK bus driver Mike Bremer also was included among the local hall of fame members.
Each poster contained a short biography about the individual as well as a QR code students could scan and listen to more information.