In partnership with the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, Westminster Presbyterian Church presents “Portraits of Peace,” a program featuring both music and drama celebrating the lives of civil rights leaders Rosa Parks and the Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian. Dr. Sharon J. Willis of Atlanta, Georgia, a composer, playwright and actress, will perform the one-woman show, Portraits of Rosa Parks, which highlight Parks’ activism and courage beginning with her arrest in 1955. Willis will be joined by organist Linda Andrews; tenor Alfonzo Cooper, Jr.; and pianist Gayle Cooper. “Portraits of Peace” premiered in Macomb last fall and now comes to Springfield.
Many know the name Rosa Parks, but Vivian is lesser-known. He grew up in Macomb and attended Western Illinois University, where he is memorialized for his pioneering leadership. On Feb. 5, 1965, Vivian led a group of Black citizens to the courthouse in Selma, Alabama, to register them to vote. His brutal treatment by Sherriff Jim Clark became part of the news coverage from Selma that day. Over the years, Vivian organized freedom rides and sit-ins across the country. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. referred to Vivian as the “greatest preacher to ever live.”
A brief interview with Willis about her work:
When and how were you first motivated to tell this story?
I grew up in Atlanta, the mecca of the modern civil rights movement, and I had the distinct privilege of visiting Dr. Vivian in his home. Sitting with him and his wife in his library of more than 2,000 books was astounding. The Dr. C. T. Vivian Foundation organized two birthday affairs for the civil rights icon, his 94th and 95th birthdays. Americolor Opera, an organization that I founded in 1999, was invited to perform both times. When organist Linda Andrews contacted me looking for organ repertoire that included a tenor, I offered to compose a piece. As we conversed, we began talking about Macomb being the hometown of Dr. Vivian. That sparked a whole new idea for me. Dr. Vivian was such a peaceful warrior. He never sought the spotlight or recognition for his sacrifices toward the cause of freedom. I greatly admired him and often wished that others knew more about his work and life.
What have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards?
As a composer, I am deeply moved by stories that are uplifting or challenging. Oftentimes, when America is forced to face its past, she rejects it as troublesome, even unimportant. But we cannot move forward in the spirit of “We the People” without facing that past, acknowledging all of America’s citizens, and working together to achieve a common goal of freedom and justice for all. The greatest satisfaction for me is bringing light to others about our culture, history, diversities and commonalities through the gift of music.
Are the performance at the church and the presentation at the museum different?
At the museum, I shall present an overview of my book, Spiritual Story. In that presentation, I will speak about the use of the African American spiritual during plantation life and slavery. The audience will be invited to ask questions. Sunday’s performance is twofold: a presentation of compositions by African American composers performed by organist Linda Andrews and tenor Al Cooper, and Portraits of Rosa Parks, a historical reenactment of Rosa Parks written and performed by me.
What do you hope audience members will take away from the experience?
I want people to realize Dr. Vivian’s contribution to challenging and changing segregation laws. Segregation was not just in the South where it was bold and vicious, it was also in the North where it was subtle but understood as such. Vivian challenged the citizens of this country to face humanity. Humanity and hatred and racism cannot exist in the same place and time – you either embrace the whole of humanity or you don’t!
“Portraits of Peace” will take place Sunday, March 17, at 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St. There is no admission charge. Following the program, there will be a meet-and-greet reception in Westminster’s West Narthex.
While in Springfield, Willis will also give a presentation entitled “The African American Spiritual” on Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. at the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum.
This article appears in The end of an era.
