Redemption for Our Skin

Director’s Note

Hello and welcome to the 2021 Office of Cultural & Special Programs and Department of Performing Arts Black History Month Dance Concert. We have all been navigating the complexities of both a global pandemic and traumas stemming from the horrific acts of violence and injustice towards black people in America. Ensuring the wellness of our students was paramount so with the Ready and Resilient guidelines in mind, we re-directed our focus to a virtual concert. The cornerstone of this production, Redemption for Our Skin, lies in challenging the toxic belief systems that reinforce oppression, dismissal, and the dehumanization of Black people. While creating these works, we were met with many challenges related to COVID-19 but decided to use them as fuel to create a beautiful and harmonious production. Redemption features works from globally recognized artists including Jaki Shelton Green, poet laureate of North Carolina, Africa Unplugged, and Maurice Watson. We hope you enjoy Redemption for Our Skin and thank you for your viewing support. 

In peace,

Professor Keshia Wall

Special Thanks

Lauren Kearns, JP Mullican, Jack Smith, Heidi Jo Schiemer, Jeff Clark and office of cultural and special programs, Wayne Vaughn and Shirley Dreschell, Jaki Shelton Green, Jennifer Guy, Lauren Jacobbe, Kimberly Rippy, the Liberal Arts Forum, and the amazing performers that made this possible.