By Elizabeth Clarke, LC News
PINEVILLE, La. (LC News) – A play featuring the first all-black cast in school history will kick off Louisiana Christian University’s Black History Month festivities.
“Fences” is Theatre of Louisiana Christian’s first play of the spring season and features Alexandria senior theatre major Terrell Phillips in the lead role.
“It’s a blessing to be put in these positions and to represent the African American community, to open doors for black students to get more involved in things around campus,” said Phillips, also former Student Government Association president.
“Fences” will run Feb 10-12 at 7 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center on campus. Tickets are $5 for LCU students, faculty and staff, $12 for senior citizens and non-LCU students, $15 for the general public and $10 each for groups of 10 or more, and may be purchased online at https://www.purplepass.com/#230245/Theatre_Louisiana_Christian-FENCES_by_August_Wilson-Martin_Performing_Arts_Center-February-03-2022.html For additional information, call 318.613.4064.
Other events this month include the third annual Gospel choir concert and a panel discussion on Martin Luther King Jr. Both the concert and panel discussion are free events to the public.
The Gospel choir concert, directed by Phillips, will be held in Guinn Auditorium on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The choir includes students, alumni and community members, including the worship team from Zion Hill Church Family, Pineville.
“It’s a different style music many students are not used to hearing,” Phillips said. “It taps into a culture that I am used to and a lot of African Americans are used to but a lot of people haven’t heard before.”
Later in the month, a panel discussion will on the perspective on Martin Luther King Jr. and if his dream has been achieved. The event will be held in Guinn Auditorium on Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
“Diversity is something I want us to celebrate every day at Louisiana Christian University,” LCU President Rick Brewer said, “but we are excited to spend special time to honor and note the important contributions of African Americans this month.”
“Black History Month was created to honor the contributions of African Americans to the United States,” added Joshua Joy Dara, associate vice president for engagement and enrichment and pastor of Zion Hill Church Family. “Everyone can participate in the celebration because it is all about overcoming trials and celebrating triumphs.”
