Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee presented Brazosport Center Stages a sponsorship award to support the upcoming production of Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years on Saturday, May 1. Leadership, cast and crew gathered at The Center’s Freeport LNG Theater, where MLKCC president Dorothy Thomas presented Center executive director Wes Copeland and BCS president Craig Fritz with the award.

Thomas said MLKCC seeks to collaborate with organizations promoting inclusion and diversity in cultural community interests, and the sponsorship aligned perfectly with their goals.

“Having Our Say is a production that provides diversity in the performing arts,” she said.  “Diversity is so fundamental, and it helps create new audiences and funding sources. When this partnership was presented to MLKCC, we were excited about the opportunity to sponsor an African American production.  We hope this event will lead to a greater interest in not only African-American performers, but also the need for more diverse productions in our community.”

Adapted by Emily Mann from the book by Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany with Amy Hill Hearth, Having Our Say celebrates the lives of Dr. A. Elizabeth “Bessie” Delany and Ms. Sarah L. “Sadie” Delany, two civil rights pioneers who overcame the challenges of the Jim Crow era of U.S. history to become respected community and business leaders. The sisters captured the public’s attention and admiration for both their personal achievements and honest portrayal of their experiences as African American women in 20th century America.

Copeland said The Center strives to provide opportunities for both education and artistic expression for all members of our community.

“We are grateful to MLKCC for helping Center Stages bring the stories of these remarkable women to life,” he said. “We are committed to making The Center a beacon for inclusion, dialogue and representation. Our goal is to tell the stories that matter. We value our community’s stories, and we want our stage to be a platform where everybody sees themselves.”

Having Our Say runs May 14-16 and 21-23, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 PM and Sunday shows at 2:30 PM. The play has been double cast with actors Lois Davis and Sharon J. Barnes starring in the May 15, 16, and 21 productions. Tonita L. Addison and Kendra Edwards Waters will take on the roles May 14, 22 and 23. Tickets are available online at https://bcfas.org/live-theater and during Center business hours (M-F, 9AM-5PM) at the Box Office or by phone at 979-265-7661.