BRAAF presents Live African American Museum to celebrate Black History Month
On Saturday evening, Building Resilience in African American Families (BRAAF) presented its first Live African American Museum as part of the celebrations for Black History Month.
A group of talented young people, who are part of BRAAF, took attendees through African American history with live performances.
“Being able to see other people’s ancestors come to life, having people be here with me," said Nylah Myles who portrayed Bessie Coleman.
“It helped me come out of my shell," said Christopher Francois who portrayed Benjamin O. Davis, "Being around other people like me, you know, African American. I learn more about background and stuff like that.”
Dressed in costumes with props, each performer recited a monolog taking you through their lives.
The event featured several talented young people, who gave live performances of historical black figures. Some examples included Malcom X, Frederick Douglass and Bessie Coleman.
“I embraced it because i got to learn something new. I didn’t know anything about Benjamin O. Davis. Nothing about the air force to be honest, so it felt good to learn about someone new,” Francois added.
The Director of the Girl’s BRAAF program, Tanaya Hall, said these live performances came with weeks of studying and hard work.
“I want the world to be able to see it. I don't just want communities, I don't just want parents. I want the world to see these kids. They just have so much talent and nobody knows.”
She said these performances were a way to not only get attendees involved, but to help the kids find themselves through their performances.
“Just watching them on a daily basis, just seeing them they deserve so much. And not know what they have inside them, they deserve the best. They deserve the most.”
And if you didn’t make it this year, BRAAF told News Channel Three it has plans to come back bigger and better next year.