Town of Huntington Black History Month Celebration to Feature World Premiere

All residents are invited to celebrate the Town of Huntington’s 30th Anniversary of Black History Month celebrations with the world premiere screening of an influential play from a renowned playwright.

“Harriet, Rosa and Me,” written and directed by JD Lawrence, will premiere during the Thursday, Feb. 16 program held at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School, located at 152 Lowndes Ave. in Huntington Station, at 7 p.m.

“A 30th anniversary calls for a special program, and what is more special than the world premiere of a distinguished author and performer’s thought-provoking play highlighting two major figures in Black History?” Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said in a press release.

The program will also feature performances by the Voices of Huntington Choir and recognition of two distinguished Huntington residents:

• Betty Miller, a former minority affairs coordinator for the Town and past president of the Huntington chapter of the NAACP.
• Les Payne, a Pulitzer-prize winning reporter, editor and columnist.

About JD Lawrence

Lawrence, who has been called "The King of Dramedy,” is a singer-songwriter, playwright, actor, comedian, author, director and producer of films, television and stage plays. He was the recipient of the 2017 NAACP Legacy Award and has written, directed and starred in more than 15 nationally acclaimed touring productions. He was the first person to create, write, direct, produce, score and portray over 10 characters in two simultaneous productions on television in February 2013. The productions were “JD Lawrence's Community Service” on the GMC television network and “JD Lawrence's The Clean Up Woman,” which is now on BET.

Film Synopsis From the Town of Huntington:

Set in a local city bus stop, the show tells the story of a young lady named Hope who decides to skip school to avoid a Black History exam she refused to study for. As she lets several buses pass without getting on them, she notices another young lady, Rosa, who’s not getting on the bus as well -- for an entirely different reason.

As the two make small talk, Rosa informs Hope who she is as well as the importance of Black History and why Hope should get on the bus. However, when Hope reluctantly rejects Rosa’s candid advice, Hope decides to take the subway that’s just feet away from the bus stop. As she leaves the bus depot, she comes face to face with Harriet and is once again reminded of the importance of Black History, but this time the gloves are off as no-holds-barred Harriet gives Hope a dose of reality. Will Hope get on the bus or will she let a life lesson pass her by?

Image courtesy of Town of Huntington