To Act...To Compose...To Deliver...To Write...

Happy Monday. To start of this last week in February, I like to share some of my favorite heroes and sheroes in honor of Black History Month. For me, Black History is every day.


Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, an African composer in the court of Marie Antionette. He created beautiful music that still stands the test of time.



Mary Fields also known as Stage Coach Mary, first African American and second woman who was a Pony Express Rider. She is said to have stood six foot, had her rifle by her side while riding and delivered all her mail successfully.



Ira Aldridge, one of the first great African American Classical actors. Toured in America and Europe performing Shakespeare most notably Othello. He is one of my closest heroes. When I go to audition for classical theater, I think of him and walk in with pride knowing the history of my people performing Shakespeare.



Phillis Wheatley, the second African American and first African American woman to publish poetry in America. One of my favorites of her is An Hymn to the Morning.



Of course, these are only a few of the notable people of African Descent who have dreamed, strived and inspired me and others.

Happy Birthday Ira

I rediscovered Ira Aldridge when I got back into Shakespeare. My friend Neo had pushed and prodded me to go to my first Shakespeare audition in years. After that, I got hooked. While going on auditions, I found myself part of the few actors of color at the calls. I wasn't discouraged, I wanted to look into the history of actors of African descent who did Shakespeare. Then I remembered my old friend Ira Aldridge.

Now, your saying who is Ira Aldridge? Ira was born in 1807 right here in New York City. When he was a teenager, he got bitten by the acting bug. He had his first chance to perform at the African Grove Theatre which is said to be the first Black theater in America. It was created by William Brown and James Hewlett to provide a creative place for African Americans to perform. The theatre only lasted six years, after finally being burned in 1826. The theatre had gotten strong opposition from white audiences who felt African Americans had no right to do theater let alone Shakespeare!

Ira left his home country and went to Europe to find a better life as an actor. He studied at the University Of Glasgow in Scotland in the late 1820's. While at school, he continued to act. He finally got to perform at Convent Garden in London in 1833 as Othello. Audiences reaction was a mixture of love and hatred for Ira. Still he continued on and was able to travel all around Europe doing what he loved best. He performed as Othello, Aaron the Moor, King Lear, Macbeth, and Shylock.

Ira as he got older became embraced by audiences from diverse countries such as Germany, Russia and Poland. He became a British citizen in 1863 and was eventually Knighted. The first African American to have that honor. By the time of his death in 1867 in Poland, he had received numerous awards for his acting. He left behind a wife and five children as well.

For me, Ira is a hero of mine. He shows what is possible even when so much is stacked against you. When I audition or perform Shakespeare. I think of Ira. I feel I stand in his footsteps when I take to the stage. I wish someone in Hollywood would do a story on Ira's life. His story needs to be told. He is a pioneer and should be remembered more than he is now. So I send much love and hugs to you, Ira Aldridge. Happy Birthday and you are not forgotten.