In order to convey the story, theme, and mood, this production includes loud sound effects and realistic-looking, non-functional firearms.
We included a caution about this prior to the ticket purchase and want to remind our audience about these theatrical effects before the performance begins.
For the comfort and safety of our audience, performers and facility, there is no smoking, eating, drinking, flash photography, or cell phone use permitted in the auditorium. Bishop McNamara is a non-smoking campus. Smoking is not permitted on school grounds.
Please read the program before the start of proceedings this evening. This is a theatrical dance production designed with that in mind.
Video taping of this production is strictly prohibited.
Please be courteous to those around you. Thank you for your cooperation. Enjoy the show.
Special Dedication & Thank You
African Dance is not a separate art, but a part of the whole complex of living…. It is basic, vital, and complete in its forms, it has an urgency, directions and purpose. The purpose is to communicate the past, present and even the future…. The dance is strong magic, the dance is spirit, it turns the body to liquid steel, it makes it vibrate like a guitar, sing without voice, fly without wings, the dance is strong, powerful, magical, gravity defying …… African dance is indeed life itself -
Pearl Primus 1919-1994
BISHOP McNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL
Fine Arts Department
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MUSIC & DANCE
SANKOFA COMPANY
presents
Writer:
SOJOURNER TRUTH
Director:
VICTOR BAH
Assistant Director:
MIAN HAIRSTON
Stage Manager:
T’LISE FULLER & JUSTYCE MILLER
Technical Director:
GERALD GEORGE (PhD)
BMHS THEATER
April 17, 18, 24 & 25 @ 7.00pm April 19 & 26 @ 2.00pm
SOJOURNER TRUTH 1797-1883
Born into slavery in 1797, Isabella Baumfree, who later changed her name to Sojourner Truth, would become one of the most powerful advocates for human rights in the nineteenth century. Her early childhood was spent on a New York estate owned by a Dutch American named Colonel Johannes Ardinburgh. Like other slaves, she experienced the miseries of being sold and was cruelly beaten and mistreated. Around 1815 she fell in love with a fellow slave named Robert, but they were forced apart by Robert’s master. Isabella was instead forced to marry a slave named Thomas, with whom she had five children.
In 1827, after her master failed to honor his promise to free her or to uphold the New York Anti-Slavery Law of 1827, Isabella ran away, or, as she later informed her master, “I did not run away, I walked away by daylight….” After experiencing a religious conversion, Isabella became an itinerant preacher and in 1843 changed her name to Sojourner Truth. During this period she became involved in the growing antislavery movement, and by the 1850s she was involved in the woman’s rights movement as well. At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio, Sojourner Truth delivered what is now recognized as one of the most famous abolitionist and women’s rights speeches in American history, “Ain’t I a Woman?” She continued to speak out for the rights of African Americans and women during and after the Civil War.
Sojourner Truth died in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1883.
2026 Sankofa Production of TRUTH: An American Icon
Sankofa Sankofa production is the annually themed spring dance drama produced by the Traditional African Music/Dance and Sankofa Company programs. 135 students are involved in today’s production, which includes performers and technical support. In addition, there are guest artists/choreographers, designers, a village of parent volunteers, with unmatched support from the Fine Arts Department and the Administration. Sankofa is an Adinkra symbol, (like the yin and yan of eastern culture), that spells out the need to not forget the past even as one moves forward into the future. The productions are designed to honor that tradition. This is the 22nd Sankofa Night Production in the 25 years of the program's existence.
Director’s Note
For over 20 years, Sankofa has mounted dance dramas in honor and celebration of historical figures (Dr. King, Mandela, Cleopatra), revolutionary characters (Jesus Christ, Harriet, Moses) and incredible literary works like Sophocle’s Antigone, and Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo & Juliet. Each presented unique challenges and incredible rewards. Truth did not deviate.
A period piece that begins from Africa to the Americas in a span of about a century, poses hurdles in design concepts, thematic emphasis, dance selections, colors, working script and amalgam of logistical overheads that are too lengthy to enumerate here. Sojourner lived forty odd years in slavery and an equal amount in freedom as she once said - which rendered a key opening in our tone and mood for the two different and distinct periods of our heroine's life. That became the main guiding factor in design choices in our rendering of Truth’s story; even so, artistic liberties were taken - example - inflating the ages of her infant children, so they can participate as dancers, as well as relevant adjustments in themes and structure to fit our stage since ultimately this is a dance theater adaptation of her story. Most of the pieces are geared towards the physical, emotional, and psychological state of Sojourner and the other characters as they confront the issues before them. In this endeavour, it's worth mentioning, we relied on Sojourner’s words and other publications to create our script, chief amongst them are the Sojourner Truth and Olive Gilbert’s NARRATIVE OF SOJOURNER TRUTH, Nell Irvin Painter’s SOJOURNER TRUTH: A Life, A Symbol, Patricia and Fredrick McKissack’s SOJOURNER TRUTH, Ain’t I a Woman
Finally, Traditional and newly premiered pieces have been conjoined to complement the telling of her story, with the hope to redeem ourselves with energetic movements and beautiful music, where we have fallen short in storytelling accuracy.
In this effort, many are owed thanks. We are indebted to all the Guest Choreographers, Designers, Guest Artists, Technical Crew, Fine Arts Department, BMHS Administration, Booster/Parents volunteers, and the talented students who inspired us by whipping into reality that which was but a mere aspiration a few months ago. They are the true MVPs here.
Finally, a debt of gratitude to our loyal patrons, for without you, there is no Sankofa. Thank you,
Victor Bah Mian Hairston
TRUTH: An American Icon QUICK REFERENCE
Act I: THE ORIGINAL SIN
Scene I: CHAINS TO CHANGE, THE ESCAPE
Scene II: ORIGINS
Scene III: GENERATIONS
Scene IV: ORIGINAL SIN, FROM ARDINBURGH - SCRIVER
Scene V: DUMONTS’ BELLE/ISAVSALLY
Act II: THE BRUTALIST
Scene I: AT PINXTER
Scene II: THE BRUTALIST, CAITLIN’S RAGE
Scene III: FROM TRAUMA TO MAMOEMA
Scene IV: THE RENEGADE (SLAVEOWNER’S PROMISES)
Scene V: FREE BELLE! ON TO YORK
INTERVAL
Act III: THE PLAINTIFF
Scene I: PLAINTIFF/MOTHER’S ANGUISH
Scene II: KINGDOM’S DELUSIONS
Scene III: VISIONS & VOICES, ISABELLA TO SOJOURNER
Scene IV: TRUTH, THE BLACK EVANGELIST
Scene V: AKRON 1851, A WOMAN
Act IV: THE ACTIVIST
Scene I: SELL THE SHADOW, SUPPORT THE SUBSTANCE
Scene II: THE WAR YEARS & BEYOND
Scene III: TWILIGHT YEARS
Scene IV: LEGACY: WASHINGTON’S FREED PEOPLE
Scene V: IN MEMORIAM
CAST
Sojourner Truth (An American Icon)
JADA ROBINSON Ғ ◊
Isabella Baumfree (Young Sojourner)
NAOMI KING ◊
Sally Waring Dumont (John Dumont's Wife)
CY’MONE WILLIAMS Ғ ◊
John Dumont (Sojourner’s Last Owner)
ELIJAH HOPSON
Besty Mau Mau-Bett (Sojourner’s Mother)
CELINE JAMES Ғ ◊
AMAIYA BAPTISTE (Understudy)
James Baumfree (Sojourner’s Father)
JACOB GREGORY
Diana (Sojourner's 1st Child)
JAZLYNN WILLLIAMS Ғ ◊
Elizabeth (Sojourner's 2nd Child)
SYANN MACKEY
Hannah (Sojourner's 3rd Child)
KIARA BROWN
Peter (Sojourner's 4th Child)
JADEN THOMAS
Sophia (Sojourner's 5th Child)
GABRIELLE WOOD ◊
Prince Gerald/Cato (John Dumont's Butler)
JULIAN VAUGHN Ғ
Robert (Sojourner's Boyfriend)
KEY’ONTAE GLENN
Thomas (Sojourner's Husband)
TRU WOOTEN
Charles Caitlin Jr. (Robert's Owner)
TYLER HAWKINS
Bob Caitlin (Charles Caitlin's Brother) XAVIER TIMMONS
Mary Hanshard Perry (Circuit Friend)
TALIAH LEWIS Ғ ◊
Francis Ellen Watkins (Circuit Friend)
KENNEDY BOWEN Ғ ◊
Sarah Parker Remond (Circuit Friend)
MISCHA JAMES ◊
Olive Gilbert (Friend and Co-Author)
JOURNEY GARDNER
Isaac Van Wagener (Quaker)
WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT ♫
Sammy (Sojourner’s Grandson)
DEWAYNE MOSLEY
Kate (Mean Maid Of The Dumonts) ALEXANDRIA CUADRA Ғ
Gertrude (Kind Maid Of The Dumonts)
SYDNEY MEDLEY Ғ ◊
CAST
Mrs. Nealy
MARSHEA MCFARLANE
Female House Slaves
TALIAH LEWIS Ғ ◊, JOURNEY GARDNER, AVA TOLBERT ◊, SYDNEY MEDLEY, AMIRA CANNADAY, ABIGAIL SMITH Ғ ◊ & SAMIYAH ABDUL-HAQQ Ғ◊
JADA ROBINSON - I, KAYA BENJAMIN - II, MADISON BRIDGES - III, LEAH BRYANT α - IV, WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT ♫ - V, MAJOR FIELDS § ♫ - VI, MICAH TATE - VII, TAYLOR THOMAS Ғ - VIII & CHLOE LITTLEJOHN - VIV
Introduction To Traditional African Music & Dance Ensemble
GABRIELLE ADDAI, DEMI AVERY Ғ, GERI DALEY, TRINITY HAGANS, BRIA HENRY-SANKOFA, MELIZANE IKU, ARIEL ITOE, KHADIJAH KABA, YAURI LUCKETT, KHLOE NORMAN, ZOE ONI, AVA SELMON, JANAE WEBSTER Ғ & LONDON WRIGHT Orchestra: TREYAH NORMAN
Traditional African Music & Dance I Ensemble I: MORIAH ANDREWS, ALIYAH ANTHONY, DA'NIA BURROUGH, YALEZWA FAHODI, DELILAH FRAIJOHARRISON, SYDNI FRANCIS Ғ, LAILA HARDY, ALEXANDRIA JACKSON ◊, KIMAIYA JEFFRIES Ғ, MIA LYONS, MARSHEA MACFARLANE, KENNEDY NICHOLSON, AMARA ODUNUKWE, KENDALL PARKER, CHLOE QUINN & ALANA RHONE
Orchestra I: JAKARI CHASE, KOLE CORBITT, J'MIR FREEMAN, JAYLEN ROBINSON, JAHVIN WILLIAMS ♫ Ғ & OCTAVIOUS WILLIAMS Jr.
CAST
Traditional African Music & Dance II
Ensemble II: ZOEY BRISCOE-SNEED, DEMI BROOKS, ALEXANDRIA CUADRA Ғ, HALEIGH GLOSTER, FEVEN HEATH, NAOMI KING Ғ, DAKOTAH LOVELACE F, AVA MCCAULE, KAYLEE MCGEE, BRIANNA MCKENZIE ◊, VICTORIA MONTGOMERY Ғ, SYDNEE NEAL, ABIGAIL SMITH Ғ ◊, SIA SMITH ◊ & AVA TOLBERT ◊
Orchestra II: KARINA CHO Ғ, AARON DAWSON, BRYCE GRIER, DANEN OLIVER, JAYDEN SMITH, JADEN THOMAS & KENT UNDERWOOD
Traditional African Music & Dance III
Ensemble III: SAMIYAH ABDUL-HAQQ Ғ ◊, TEMPLE ADAMS, DAISY-DANAE BARNES, KIARA BROWN, AMIRA CANNADAY, GABRIELLE CLAVELL Ғ ◊, STERLING HARRIOT, CELINE JAMES, KOLBI JONES, AKILAH KYNARD Ғ, CHLOE LITTLEJOHN, SYANN MACKEY, RYAN SMITH, DAISY TANYIDAH, LAUREN THEZARD & JAZLYNN WILLIAMS Orchestra III: CHARLES ANTHONY, DONOVAN BARNES, BRAYDEN BOSTON Ғ, JACOB GREGORY, TYLER HAWKINS, CHARLIE HILL ♫ Ғ, MYLES HINES, BOIMA KING, DEWAYNE MOSLEY, JULIAN VAUGHN Ғ & TRU WOOTEN
CHAYSE HERNDON-SMITH, MISCHA JAMES, ZURI KENYATTE, ASHLEY NKONGCHU, ALANA NORTH, HADASSAH OFORI ANSAH, GABRIELLE RHONE Ғ, JADA ROBINSON Ғ◊, MAYA STEWART, TAYLOR THOMAS & KAELA WALKER
Orchestra IV: MICHAEL DICKERSON, KENNEDY FLEMING, KEY’ONTAE GLENN, ANDRE JACKSON, TAJ JOHNSON, CHRISTIAN LITTLEJOHN, JANJAY REEVES, NARDRE THOMPSON, XAVIER TIMMONS & ETHNAN WILLIAMS
Sankofa Ensemble
Honors: KENNEDY BOWEN, JOURNEY
GARDNER, CHAYSE HERNDON-SMITH, CELINE JAMES, MISCHA JAMES, TALIAH LEWIS, SYANN MACKEY, JADA ROBINSON, KAELA WALKER & CY’MONE WILLIAMS
Sankofa Company
SAMIYAH ABDUL-HAQQ, ALEX CUADRA, LAUREN THEZARD, AVA TOLBERT, GABRELLE WOOD, AMAIYA BAPTISTE, KIARA BROWN, AMIRA CANNADAY, LONDON FORREST, KEY’ONTAE GLENN, SYDNEY
KAYA BENJAMIN, MADISON BRIDGES, LEAH BRYANT, MAJOR FIELDS, WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT, CHLOE LITTLEJOHN, MICAH TATE & TAYLOR THOMAS Tri-M Music Honor Society = ♫ Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement = Ғ
Thespian Society = § National Honor Society for Dance Arts = ◊
Creative Team
Writer
Sojourner Truth, Nell Irvin Painter, Patricia & Frederick Mckissack
Choreographer & Director
Victor Bah
Choreographer & Deputy Director
Mian Hairston
Guest Choreographers
Patrick Casimir, Michael Jackson Jr., Jaday Myers, Nicole Klett, Ava Garland, Amina Garland, Jordan Gregory, Khadijatou Beverly-Diallo & Faith Harrison
Nala Clark, Ricardo Clark, Grace Dougherty, Savannah Garvin, Caliah Gillspie, Kiersten Goodger, Miah Hancock, Leonard Lancaster, Lauren Little, Christina Ross & Jordan Young
Scenic Designer & Construction
Victor Bah, Dewayne Mckinnon & Sankofa Booster Volunteers
Costume
Kim Collins, Adama Goree Shop, Michael Murray, Ousmane Seck & Maguelina Jones
Technical Director (Light & Sound)
Gerald George PhD
Graphics Designer
Lisa Lansing
Guest Artists
Shelton Gordon, Michael Johnson, Assane Mbaye & Ron Williams
Act I: The Original Sin
Act
I Scene I: CHAINS TO CHANGE, THE ESCAPE
Synopsis: It's the morning of the escape - Isabella steals away but returns to get her infant daughter Sophia. Her reluctant husband counsels patience but she must move on - Mrs. Dumont discovers her absence, and reports to her husband who responds with a search party. Isabella stops at a Quaker safehouse of Isaac Van Wagener. Mr. Dumont catches up with her and demands her return. She refuses. The Wageners buy her freedom.
Performers: Jada Robinson, Gabrielle Wood & Sankofa Ensemble
Music: Night Run By: Rene Aubry
Costume: Kim Collins
Choreography: Mian Hairston
Act I Scene II : ORIGINS
Synopsis: Sojourner regale the Van Wageners with the story of her origins - It begins in Africa - The first human continent…its rich culture and traditions - ending with betrayals, skirmishes of wars and the sale/ exchange of human prisoners bound for the world.
Performers: TAMD III & IV
Costume: Michael Murray & Kim Collins
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah
Act I Scene III: GENERATIONS
Synopsis: She shares the horrors of the Trans Atlantic slave trade as told to her by her mother. The human cargo and the brutality of the crossings - The lens is narrowed to the fate of her parents who survived the Maafa and were subsequently sold to Colonel Ardinburgh.
Performers: TAMD I & II
Costume: Victor Bah & Kim Collins
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah
Act I Scene IV: ORIGINAL SIN, FROM ARDINBURGH - SCRIVE
Synopsis: Isabella chronicles the story of her birth, infancy and teenage years…She takes us through what she calls “THE TRIAL” - the trauma of being a slave for multiple masters before hitting puberty.
Performers: Honors Sankofa Plus
Music: Circle Song Six By: Bobby McFerrin
Costume: Kim Collins
Choreography: Michael Jackson
Act I Scene V: DUMONTS’ BELLE/ISAVSALLY
Synopsis: Focus is now shifted to the house of Dumont where she spent over fifteen years as a slaveIsabella worked hard to please her master but his fastidious mistress Mrs. Dumont increasingly makes life unbearable for Isabella. Mr. Dumont’s amorous advances towards Isabella depict the complex relationship dynamics between master and slave in 19th century slavery America. This only intensifies the hatred Sally has for Isabella in ISAVSALLY
Synopsis: Depicts the special slavery off week where most slaves commune and engage in some level of self restoration - things for themselves. They interact through music and dance, and make merry for an entire week. This is likely where Isabella met her one true love - Robert.
Performers: Jada Robinson, Key’ontae Glenn & TAMD I & II
Costume: Victor Bah
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah
Act II Scene II: THE BRUTALIST, CATLIN'S RAGE
Synopsis: Robert is warned to stay away from Isabella because his Master Mr. Catlin does not want a likely event of a baby for the mother’s household. Robert defied that order, went to see Isabella after hearing she was ill - He is surrounded and severely beaten - Mr. Dumont intervenes in the obviously unwarranted Brutality of the Caitlins - Isabella is traumatized.
Performers: Jada Robinson, Key’ontae Glenn & Honors Sankofa+
Music: Troy/Middle Of The World/Mound Bayou By: S. O’Connor/N. Britell/L. Goransson
Costume: Michael Murray & Kim Collins
Choreography: Amina Garland & Ava Garland
Act II Scene III: FROM TRAUMA TO MAMOEMA
Synopsis: She retreats to deal with her state of shock - The evil that is slavery - Robert is forced to marry from Caitlin's slave house. Sojourner never saw him again. Meanwhile, Dumont arranged Isabella’s own marriage to Thomas - a much older fellow slave. She bore five children for the Dumont slave house and lived in servitude until the state of New York aroused the excitement of its slaves by announcing an emancipation day.
Performers: Jada Robinson, Tru Wooten, Jazlynn Williams, Syann Mackey, Kiara Brown
Jaden Thomas, Gabrielle Wood & Honors Sankofa Plus
Music: Strange Fruit/Ancestral Recall By: Nina Simone/Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Costume: Michael Murray & Kim Collins
Choreography: Faith Harrison
Act II Scene IV: THE RENEGADE (SLAVEHOLDER’S PROMISES)
Synopsis: Sometime in 1825. John Dumont gave his word to Isabella that she could be a free woman in a year (a year before the New York state Emancipation law is to kick in), if she is to double her work load. Isabella, already the hardest worker on the slave compound, tried to fulfill her share of the agreement only for Mr. Dumont to renege on his. Isabella decides to take matters into his own hands….She will walk free!
Performers: Jada Robinson, Elijah Hopson, Cy’Mone Williams, Julian Vaughn & TAMD IV
Costume: Victor Bah
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah
Act II Scene V: FREE BELLE! ON TO YORK
Synopsis: Echoes the desire to be free. This is a dance to commemorate the great sense anticipation as some sixty to seventy thousand state of New York slaves inch towards the day of emancipation - July 4th 1828
Performers: TAMD III
Costume: Victor Bah
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah
Act III: The Plaintiff
Act
III
Scene
I: THE PLAINTIFF/MOTHER'S ANGUISH
Synopsis: A few months into her time with the Van Wageners, Isabella heard that his son Peter has been sold to a Southern Slave Plantation owner - An act that was against New York’s emancipation law. She marshaled the resources needed, sued and won him back. It also gained her notoriety, Peter, though at first denied his mother because he had been coached to do so, later revealed the horrors of slavery in the antebellum south.
Performers: Jada Robinson, Sankofa Ensemble Plus & TAMD III & IV (Select)
Music: Silent Shout By: The Knife /TAMD Orchestra
Costume: Kim Collins & Michael Murray
Choreography: Patrick Casimir, Khadijatou Beverly-Diallo & Jordan Gregory
Act III Scene II:
THE KINGDOM'S DELUSIONS
Synopsis: Isabella took Peter with her to New York city in search of work. Peter drifted into a life of stealing and trouble making - he was apprehended and jailed a few times. Sojourner did all she could for only son - including encouraging him to join the whalecatcher vessels, reformed Peter exchanges letters with Sojourner but the latter will not see her son again… meanwhile Sojourner meets and joins the religious sect led by two sniveling cantankerous souls. One dies and Sojourner has to rely on her acquired legal experience to clear her name.
Performers: TAMD I & II
Costume: Kim Collins
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah
Act III Scene III: VISIONS & VOICES, ISABELLA TO SOJOURNER
Synopsis: In 1843 Sojourner goes through a religious rebirth and decides to do the Lord's will - She said the spirit is calling and she must answer - She will live the rest of her life as a preacher, an author, a suffregette and an abolitionists, besides her natural duties as a mother and grandmother.
Performers: Jada Robinson & Honors Sankofa Plus
Music: Circle Song One By: Bobby Mcferrin
Costume: Victor Bah
Choreography: Jaday Myers
Act III Scene IV: TRUTH, THE BLACK EVANGELIST
Synopsis: In the mid 1800s, Narrative Of Frederick Douglass was published - a huge success - it precipitated a similar action from Sojourner, who dictated to an abolitionist friend in Olive Gilbert. Narrative Of Sojourner Truth was published in 1850. She went on the circuit further north and east to proclaim the good news and sell her book.
Performers: Jada Robinson, Journey Gardner & Sankofa Ensemble
Music: When Sunday Comes By: Daryl Coley
Costume: Victor Bah
Choreography: Mian Hairston
Act III Scene V: AKRON 1851, A WOMAN
Synopsis: In May of 1851, The very well Women's Rights Convention took place in Akron, Ohio. Sojourner rises and delivers her best known speech - we celebrate the original version, mixed with the best/ widely known one…
Performers: TAMD III & IV, Jada Robinson & Vocalists
Costume: Kim Collins & Victor Bah
Choreography: Mian Hairston, Victor Bah & Ava Garland
Act IV: The Activist
Act IV Scene I: SELL THE SHADOW, SUPPORT THE SUBSTANCE
Synopsis: From the 1850s until the American Civil War and beyond, Sojourner became widely known in the anti slavery community. Essays/Books were written about her - The Libyan Sibyl - She put it all together by making images of herself; CARTE -DE-VISITE as a symbol to sell to finance her life, growing family and outreaches.
Chayse Herndon-Smith, Ava Tolbert, Gabrielle Wood, Kennedy Bowen, Celine James Syann Mackey & Mian Hairston
Music: Music For 18 Musicians IX. Section VII By: Steve Reich
Costume: Victor Bah
Choreography: Celine James & Syann Mackey
Act IV Scene II: THE WAR YEARS & BEYOND
Synopsis: Truth helped recruit black men into the Union army during the Civil War. Her grandson, James Caldwell, enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. In 1864, She was employed by the National Freedman's Relief Association in Washington, D.C., where she worked diligently to improve conditions for AfricanAmericans. In October of that year, she was invited to the White House by President Abraham Lincoln. In 1865, while working at the Freedman's Hospital in Washington, Truth rode in the streetcars to help force their desegregation.
Chayse Herndon-Smith, Ava Tolbert, Gabrielle Wood, Kennedy Bowen, Celine James, Syann Mackey & Ava Tolbert
Soldiers: Keyontae Glenn, Myles Hines, Tru Wooten, Dewayne Mosley, Ethnan Williams & Donovan Barnes
Music: Birth Of A Nation/Ashokwan Farewell By: Hans Zimmer/Civil War
Choreography: Victor Bah
Act IV Scene III: TWILIGHT YEARS
Synopsis: In 1870 Truth tried for seven years without success to secure land grants from the federal government to former enslaved people. She secured a meeting with President Ulysses S. Grant at the white house and went on to campaign for his presidential re-election in 1872. She even tried to vote on Election Day, but was turned away at the polling place. Truth was cared for by two of her daughters in the last years of her life. She died early in the morning on November 26, 1883, at her Battle Creek home. Truth was buried in the city's Oak Hill Cemetery.
Performers: Jada Robinson, Taliah Lewis, Mischa James, Ava Tolbert, Gabrielle Wood Kennedy Bowen, Celine James, Syann Mackey, Naomi King & Mian Hairston
Music: All At Once By: Bill Laurance & The Untold Orchestra
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah /Taliah Lewis & Jada Robinson
Act IV Scene IV: LEGACY: WASHINGTON'S FREEDPEOPLE
Synopsis: Almost a century and a half later, Sojourner continues to be honored and celebrated by all freedom loving people around the world, especially descendants of the Washington Freedpeople. We join in giving thanks. Performers: (Intro), TAMD I II III & IV
Choreography: Mian Hairston & Victor Bah
Act IV Scene V: IN MEMORIAM
Synopsis: A Tribute to An American Icon.
Performers: Jada Robinson & Sankofa Ensemble
Music: String Quartet No. 5 “Music for the Lodger”: Finale, Allegro con fuoco, The Lynch
By: Ezio Bosso & Turin String Quartet
Choreography: Mian Hairston
CAST - In Order Of Appearance
JADA ROBINSON ‘26 (Sojourner Truth)
(Honors Choreography - The Twilight Years & A Woman)
Jada has been enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance and the Classical Dance programs for four years. With African, she participated in the Sankofa productions of YAA ASANTEWAA & The Battle for the Golden Stool, MAYA, The Phenomenal Woman, OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle, and TRUTH: An American Icon where she plays the lead dance character role as Sojourner Truth. She is also a member of the Honors Sankofa Company. Jada has held several roles that have prepared her for the challenge and opportunity to be a leading character. She has performed in all Classical Dance spring productions from HERstory to Dance Sensations!. Jada has been a member of the Dance Team, F.A.D.E., National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Senior Class Cabinet and National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) where she serves as the secretary. After graduation, Jada hopes to attend Spelman College, where she will major in psychology. Dance will always be an important part of her, so she plans to join the dance team to explore opportunities in band dancing. She is deeply rooted in the belief that God has plans for her to succeed - all she has to do is leave it all to him. She is thrilled, and truly grateful to be offered this opportunity.
NAOMI KING ‘28 (Isabella Baumfree, Ensemble II)
Naomi has been dancing for over ten years and brings experience from both performance and competitive dance. This is her second year in the Traditional African Music and Dance program and her first year as a guest of Sankofa Company. She performed in the 2025 Classical Dance Show, HERstory, and the Sankofa production OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle in 2025. In addition to dance, Naomi has been involved in Student Council and is a member of F.A.D.E. (Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement) and the AIEM Club (Aspiring Influencers & Entertainers of McNamara).
In TRUTH: American Icon, Naomi takes on the role of Young Isabelle Baumfree and is honored to tell her story through movement and expression. She aims to embody Isabelle’s strength and resilience using her performance to bring truth, history, and emotion to the stage while helping make Sankofa a powerful and unforgettable experience.
CY’MONE WILLIAMS ‘26 (Sally Dumont) (Honors Light Coordinator)
Cy’Mone has been dancing since the age of three. She has been dancing competitively since the age of seven. She has been in the Classical Dance program since freshman year and joined Sankofa Company during her senior year. She joined the Dance Team during her junior year, performed as an ensemble dancer in The Wiz (Fall Musical 2025), has been in Class Cabinet for two years, a part of Pre-Health Careers Club, and also Black Cultural Alliance. She is a member of F.A.D.E. (Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement) and NHSDA, (Nationals Honors Society for Dance Arts). She plays Sally Dumont in TRUTH: An American Icon, and will contribute to Sankofa Night by bringing positive energy, supporting fellow classmates, and helping represent the story. When she graduates she plans on attending a four year university to pursue a career in Health Sciences. Her philosophy on life is “Don’t allow others to try and change you.”
ELIJAH HOPSON ‘26 (John Dumont)
Elijah has previously provided technical support for Fine Arts productions such as the Fall Musicals, Spring Plays, Classical Dance productions, Sankofa productions and the Christmas Festivals. John Dumont is his first onstage role in a Sankofa production, and he is grateful and excited for the opportunity to celebrate the great Sojourner Truth in TRUTH: An American Icon. He also recently performed in the Classical Dance Production of Dance Sensations as a member of the Tap Class. Throughout high school, he has remained involved around his school community as the National Honor Society President (NHS), member of Science Honor Societies, Vice President of We Are All Educators, a Peer Minister, a Class Cabinet member and a Thespian. Elijah enjoys film, music, and playing the saxophone. He is currently undecided regarding college, but he plans to study biology in order to achieve his goal of becoming an orthodontist. Elijah lives by the saying “qué será, será” meaning “what will be, will be.” To him, this means embracing life's challenges and turning them into something positively meaningful.
CELINE JAMES ‘27 (Betsy - Mau Mau-Bett, Ensemble III) (Honors Choreography - Sell The Shadow, Support The Substance)
Celine has been dancing since she was a young girl and is currently in her second year as a member of Sankofa Dance Theatre and the Traditional African Music and Dance Program. Through Sankofa, she has performed in OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. Celine has also been a part of the Classical Dance program since her freshman year, performing in productions such as Spirit of Dance, HERstory, and Dance Sensations. She has also performed in the Fine Arts Christmas Festivals with Sankofa Dance Theatre, the Traditional African Music and Dance program, and the Classical Dance program. Outside of Sankofa, Celine is a member of the Bishop McNamara Dance Team and has an extensive background in competitive dance, where she trained at a studio taking weekly classes and performing in recitals and competitions. She is actively involved in several organizations at Bishop McNamara, including Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Honor Society for Dance Arts, F.A.D.E. (Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement), WAAE Club, and Student Council, where she serves as Junior Class Secretary/Treasurer. She also serves as the Secretary of the Black Cultural Alliance. Celine has earned summa cum laude every semester since freshman year and has maintained a GPA ranging from 4.0 to a high of 4.333. Looking ahead, Celine plans to pursue a career in nursing, with the goal of earning her Master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner focused on women’s health. She is also interested in combining healthcare and business, with a long-term goal of opening her own women’s health practice. Celine is excited to play the role of Besty (Sojourner’s mother) in TRUTH: An American Icon
AMAIYA BAPTISTE ‘26 (Understudy, Betsy - Mau Mau-Bett, Ensemble IV)
Amaiya has been passionate about dance since the age of four. At Bishop McNamara High School, she enrolled in both Classical Dance and Traditional African Music and Dance her freshman year on scholarship and has continued studying African dance throughout her high school career. She was also a member of the Sankofa Company during her freshman, sophomore, and senior years. Beyond the dance studio, Amaiya serves as Chairman for Camp Fire Teens in Action where she leads young teens into service and leadership. In addition she holds the title of Service and Event Coordinator for both the We Are All Educators Club and the Caribbean Student Union. Driven by a commitment to service, she has volunteered to feed the homeless, tutored underprivileged children, and supported women facing domestic violence in finding their voice. Amaiya will attend Hampton University to study psychology, with the goal of providing resources like those at McNamara to children in low-income and minority communities. It is her dream to support children and build stronger communities for future generations.
JACOB GREGORY ‘27 (James Baumfree, Orchestra III)
Jacob has had an interest in percussion since a very young age - He joined the Traditional African Music and Dance program in his freshmen year as a drummer but he is excited to explore the spaces in front of the drums. He performed in Sankofa productions of MAYA, Phenomenal Woman, OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle and he is excited for the roles as James (Sojourner’s father) in TRUTH: An American Icon. Jacob has been on the football team since his freshmen year. He is interested in film making and the fashion industry. Jacob currently is a videographer and films various different things in the DMV area. He also is known as one of the best dressed boys in his class, he takes his outfits and the clothes he wears seriously. After graduation in spring of 2027, Jacob will attend either FAMU, Southern University, KSU, or Clark Atlanta University.
JAZLYNN WILLIAMS
‘27 (Diana, Ensemble III)
Jazlynn enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance in her Sophomore year and performed in OLETO,The Albin Of Vencalle. She is now in her second year and she participated in the Fine Arts Christmas Festival and Black History performances earlier in the year. She auditioned and got the dance character role of Diana, (Sojourner’s first born), in TRUTH: An American Icon, a role she is very excited about. So far at Bishop McNamara, she has been involved in the Dance Team, My Hair My Crown, and Women’s Empowerment Club. She is a member of National Honor Society for Dance (NHSDA), Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (F.A.D.E.), and National Honors Society (NHS). After graduation in spring of 2027, Jazlynn will attend either NCAT or FAMU and will pursue a career in neuroscience and a minor in dance.
SYANN MACKEY ‘27 (Elizabeth, Ensemble III)
(Honors Choreography - Sell The Shadow, Support The Substance)
Syann has been dancing since the age of two and continues to grow her passion for the performing arts. She joined the Sankofa Company and Traditional African Music and Dance programs in her sophomore year, and she is now enrolled in Honors and level III respectively. Syann is also a scholarship awardee member of the Classical Dance program’s Honors Dance Performance. Last year, she performed as a cast member in the Sankofa production OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. She also performed in Classical Dance productions the last two years. Outside of school, Syann continues to hone and develop her artistry through dance programs such as the Complexions Summer Intensive, MOVE|NYC|DC Summer Intensive, and Kennedy Center Dance Lab. She has also participated in community dance performances and volunteers with local food bank organizations, using both service and the arts to positively impact her community. Syann is a member of the National Honor Society and National Honors Society for Dance Arts. She plans to pursue a BFA in Dance from one of the following; AMDA, Pace University, Fordham/Ailey, or the Boston Conservatory. Her ultimate goal is to perform professionally with Dallas Black Dance Theatre and eventually tour with Beyoncé. Syann is excited for the dance character role of Elizabeth (Sojourner’s second daughter) in TRUTH: American Icon. She lives by the philosophy: “Everything happens for a reason. Trust your process because your path is destined for you and only you.”
KIARA BROWN ‘27 (Hannah, Ensemble III)
Kiara has been dancing since the age of six, starting with hiphop and praise dancing. She enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program her freshman year and joined Sankofa Dance Theater her junior year. Throughout her years at Bishop McNamara, Kiara has joined the Varsity lacrosse team, National Honors Society of American Sign Language (ASL), and Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (F.A.D.E.). She contributes joy, smiles, high-energy, determination, leadership, kindness and loyalty to this program. She is a part of the Leadership Initiative summer staff team and the Leadership Initiative International program. After graduation, Kiara plans to pursue a career in the medical field to be a trauma surgeon. She is looking forward to playing Hannah, the third daughter of Sojourner Truth in Sankofa’s TRUTH: An American Icon.
JADEN THOMAS ‘27 (Young Peter, Orchestra II)
Jaden has had interest in percussion for a while. He joined the Traditional African Music & Dance program in his junior year and he loves the challenges of learning new and different rhythmic patterns and making traditional percussion sounds. This will be his first Sankofa Production. He is excited to have the dual roles of a member of the Orchestra III and a young Peter.
GABRIELLE WOOD ‘27
(Sophia)
Gabrielle has been dancing since the age of five. She enrolled in the Classical Dance program her freshmen year and joined the Traditional African Music and Dance program her sophomore year. She has had training in the dance genres of Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, African Dance and Pointe. She has performed in all three Fine Arts Christmas Festivals and Classical Dance productions of BMHS Spirit of Dance, HERstory, and Dance Sensations. Her first Sankofa production was in OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle where she was part of Ensemble II. She is excited to play Sophia in TRUTH: An American Icon. Outside of school, she dances competitively during the fall through spring seasons, and during the summer she expands her training through programs such as Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive and Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensive. Gabrielle is a member of McNamara’s chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Her goal is to go to school for psychology and become a dance therapist, helping children who share her passion mentally and physically. Gabrielle is excited for the role of Sophia TRUTH: An American Icon, one of Sojourner Truth’s daughters. She is a member of NHSDA.
JULIAN VAUGHN ‘27
(Prince Gerald, Cato, Orchestra III)
Julian has loved theater and music from a young age. He enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program and the Sankofa class in his sophomore year, where he debuted in an acting role as Oyo of Vencalle Sankofa’s OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. Julian is currently participating in F.A.D.E. (Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement). He is a member of the Student Ambassador program, American Sign Language Club, American Sign Language Honors Society, and interns for Politicians in Prince George’s County. Julian has several goals he wants to accomplish; chief amongst them is to enroll as a freshman at University of Maryland (College Park) in two years. Julian wants to go to law school to become an attorney, judge and a politician who serves his community. Julian has spent the last year learning under the mentorship of Mr. Bah and Mrs. Hairston, to hone his leadership skills. He is excited to play the role of Prince Gerald and Cato in TRUTH: An American Icon.
KEYONTAE
GLENN ‘26 (Robert, Orchestra IV & Lead Drummer)
Key’ontae has been immersed in the creative world all his life. From running his photography business to leading the orchestra in his senior year; despite his late start in the program. Key’ontae joined the Traditional African Music and Dance program his junior year as a drum major, but has since played the dance character role of Cayiso (Cassio) in Sankofa production of OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle (Shakespeare’s Othello). Key’ontae has been an active member of the football team, being named an All-WCAC twice. He is a member of his class cabinet and the National Honors Society (NHS). He has received various honors for his prestigious academic achievements. Key’ontae is unsure of his college plans but holds acceptances from Penn State, Towson, Old Dominion, and Marshall. Wherever he attends college, he plans to bring African Dance traditions with him, potentially starting a program of his own at his college. His philosophy on life is that “One must always remain patient, your time will come.” Keyontate is excited to play the dance character role of Robert in TRUTH: An American Icon
TRU WOOTEN ‘26 (Thomas, Civil War Soldier, Orchestra III)
Tru is in his first year in the Traditional African Music and Dance program. His performance experience began with the 2025/26 Fine Arts Christmas Festival and will end with dual dance character roles of Thomas and Civil War Soldier in TRUTH: An American Icon. Tru is very proud of that. Throughout his McNamara years, he has been involved in football, basketball, track and field, Student Athlete Leadership Council, and Student Ambassador. After graduation, Tru is going to continue his football career and major in Sports Management. His philosophy on life is “Failures are lessons.”
Tyler has been drumming since the age of eight. He has had a foray with multiple instruments, but he has recently narrowed his focus on drums and piano. He joined the Traditional African Music and Dance program in his junior year but he has been a member of the Music program for years. He has been enrolled in Honors Wind, Jazz, and Percussion Ensembles, where he has participated in many productions including the four Fine Arts Christmas Festivals, the annual Spring Concerts, and Graduation day music presentations. TRUTH: An American Icon is his second Sankofa production after OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle, where he played the Dundun set as his main instrument. In his second and final year with the program he switched to playing the Djembe. Tyler plans to attend Morgan State University as a Civil Engineering major, but also wants to continue his passion for music which includes Traditional African Music. He is excited to play the role of Charles Catlin in Sankofa’s celebration of Sojourner Truth.
XAVIER TIMMONS ‘26 (Bob Caitlin, Orchestra IV)
Xavier has been enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program since his junior year. He participated in the Band program from freshman to sophomore year. He has been involved in the Christmas Festival every year, and last year marked his first year participating in African Dance. Xavier plans to continue playing African drumming throughout the rest of his time in school, in addition to playing the traditional drum set. He enjoys playing soccer, listening to music, and spending time with his dog. Xavier hopes to major in business or digital media at a small Division II or III school, which will allow him to continue playing soccer. A quote he lives by is that “Respect is universal, but it is not earned, it's taken.”
Journey has been dancing since she was three years old. She has participated in competition dance in styles such as tap, jazz, hiphop, contemporary, and ballet. She joined her middle school hiphop team and enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program as a scholarship awardee in her freshman year. She performed in the Sankofa productions of YAA ASANTEWAA & The Battle of the Golden Stool, MAYA, Phenomenal Women, OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle, and TRUTH: An American Icon. Journey credits the program for a great high school experience; She has learned different techniques, made lifelong friends, and explored how to express herself creatively through dance. She was nervous at the start and needed to confront the challenge a bit through the years and this has instilled in her the importance of patience and perseverance. Journey is so grateful for the bonds she has made through this program and will carry the lessons she has learned throughout her life. She hopes to continue well into her adulthood and will forever be grateful for the cultural enrichment and a positive contribution the arts have provided in her high school experience. She is excited for the role of Olive Gilbert, (Co Author of the NARRATIVE OF SOJOURNER TRUTH), in her last Sankofa Production.
TALIAH LYNNAE LEWIS ‘26 (Mary Hanshard Perry)
(Honors Choreography - Twilight Years)
Taliah has been dancing since the age of five. She has been a part of the Classical Dance program since her freshman year and joined the Honors Sankofa program in her senior year. She performed in the Classical Dance productions What MOVES Us!, BMHS Spirit of Dance, HERstory, and Dance Sensations. TRUTH: An American Icon will be Taliah’s first participation in the Sankofa Production. She was a dancer in the Fall Musical, The Wiz. Outside of the Arts, Taliah has served as Junior Class President and Public Relations Officer during her sophomore and freshman years. She is a member of the Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement program (F.A.D.E.), the National Honor Society (NHS), the National English Honor Society, (NEHS), Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, and the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), where she serves as Vice President. She is currently the Executive Student Body President. Taliah is a classically trained dancer, proficient in Pointe, holds a Certified Cecchetti Ballet (Grade 5) certification, and practices Advanced Jazz and Senior Tap. She is a member of the Dance Expressions (DE) Studio Company team, dedicating over 15 hours each week to refining her skills in these genres. At Dance Expressions, she also serves as a Student Apprentice, assisting teachers with instruction and class activities, including young dancers ages four to twelve while serving as an active student and role model for dancers. Dance has not only shaped Taliah’s discipline but also her character. It has taught her patience through repetition, resilience through setbacks, and pride through perseverance. Dance has also instilled in the importance of consistency, expression, and the quiet strength of showing up even when no one is watching. “It’s my therapy, my joy, and one of the truest parts of me.” Taliah will attend Spelman College and study Political Science on the Pre-Law track.
KENNEDY BOWEN ‘26 (Field Slave, Francis Ellen Watkins, Ensemble IV), (Honors Choreography - Dumonts Belle)
Kennedy has been dancing since she was five years old. She enrolled in the Classical Dance program freshman year, Sankofa Company in her sophomore year and Traditional African Music and Dance her junior year. She is in the honors program for Classical and Sankofa Company. She has performed in the following Classical Dance productions; What MOVES Us!, BMHS Spirit of Dance, HERstory, and Dance Sensations. Kennedy also participated in Sankofa’s MAYA; Phenomenal Woman and OLETO; The Albin Of Vencalle She was also part of the dance ensemble in this year’s fall musical, The Wiz. Kennedy is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society (SNHS), and the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), the Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement program (F.A.D.E.), and a member of the Senior Class Cabinet. She is excited for the role of Francis Watkins, a friend of Sojourner Truth in TRUTH: An American Icon
MISCHA JAMES ‘26 (House Slave, Sarah Parker Remond & Ensemble IV) (Honors Music Coordinator)
Mischa has been dancing since she was two years old. She enrolled in the Classical Dance program during her freshman year and joined the Traditional African Music and Dance program in her senior year. She performed in the Classical Dance productions What MOVES Us!, BMHS Spirit of Dance, HERstory, and Dance Sensations TRUTH: An American Icon will be Mischa’s first participation in a Sankofa Production. She was a dancer in the Fall Musical, The Wiz. Outside of the Arts, she has been involved in the Dance Team, Student Council, Class Cabinet, Black Culture Alliance (BCA), International Food Club, Pre Health Club, and National Honor Society For Dance Arts (NHSDA). After graduation, Mischa will attend college and pursue a career in nursing or business marketing. Her philosophy on life is “Love until it hurts.”
DEWAYNE MOSLEY ‘27 (Sammy, Orchestra III)
Dewayne is in his first year with the Sankofa Company, where he takes on the meaningful role of Sojourner Truth’s grandson. Inspired by the legacy of the program—and having previously watched his sister participate in the Traditional African Music and Dance program, he is proud to now carry on that connection and create his own path on stage. In this production, Dewayne will also be performing on the djembe, contributing powerful rhythms that bring energy and authenticity to the Sankofa African Dance program. Outside of the arts, Dewayne is a dedicated multi-sport athlete, competing in football, lacrosse, and swimming. His involvement in athletics reflects his discipline, teamwork, and strong work ethic. Through both music and performance, Dewayne aims to give his best, uplift the energy of the show, and be part of a meaningful and memorable production. He is looking forward to the character dancer role of Sojourner’s grandson Sammy in TRUTH: An American Icon.
This is Chayse's second and third years with Traditional African Music & Dance and Sankofa Company, respectively. She performed in the productions of MAYA: The Phenomenal Woman and OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. She enrolled in the Classical Dance program her freshman year and has since participated in its spring productions from HERstory to Dance Sensations! Chayse is a member of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts (NHSDA), the National English Honor Society (NEHS), the Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement program (F.A.D.E.) and a Community Service Leader. In theatre, she participated in the 2025 Fall Musical production of The Wiz, where she choreographed and danced in Khalidah Battle. After graduating, Chayse intends to pursue a career in the arts; major in musical theatre and minor in dance. Life's philosophy is to “hold myself accountable for my abilities and to never become arrogant, no matter how good or bad I may be.”
KAELA WALKER ’26 (Field Slave & Ensemble IV)
(Honors Costume Coordinator)
Kaela has been a part of the Classical Dance program since her sophomore year. This is her first year with the Traditional African Music and Dance/ Sankofa programs. Kaela has performed in notable productions such as Spirit of Dance 2024, HERstory 2025, Dance Sensations 2026, and TRUTH: An American Icon 2026. Kaela has been a competitive dancer outside of school and will continue to dance after her high school years. Kaela hopes to major in business administration/entrepreneurship with a minor in dance studies at Towson University. She has hopes of becoming a successful licensed cosmetologist and running her own beauty line. Kaela plays the role as a field slave in TRUTH: An American Icon. She plans to contribute to Sankofa’s success by performing to the best of her ability. Her philosophy on life is to “continue walking with God and to lead in ways that inspire others to do the same.”
ALEXANDRIA CUADRA ‘28 (Kate & Ensemble II)
Alex has been dancing for six years. She joined the Varsity Dance Team and the Traditional African Music and Dance program in her freshmen year and is currently in level II. She enrolled in Sankofa and Classical Dance in her sophomore year and is currently in Honors Sankofa Plus and Classical Dance IV. She is a member of F.A.D.E. (Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement). She was a performer in the 2025 Fine Arts Christmas Festival and Sankofa’s OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. She has been a participant of many dance recitals outside of McNamara and competitively danced with an outside studio for five years in all genres of dance ranging from hiphop to ballet. After graduation, Alex will possibly attend Hampton or UMiami to major in biology and minor in dance in hopes of becoming a pediatric anesthesiologist. Her life philosophy is “Be bold, and have big dreams.”
SYDNEY MEDLEY ‘28 (Gertrude Dumont & House Slave)
Sydney has been dancing for six years and joined the Classical Dance program as a freshman before becoming a member of Sankofa in her sophomore year. She performed in the Classical Dance production HERstory In addition to her dedication to dance, Sydney is a member of the soccer team and is involved in the National Honor Society for Dance Arts and F.A.D.E. (Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement). Her philosophy on life is simple: “everything happens for a reason, so give your best effort and trust where it leads you.” She is looking forward to her role as Gertrude in Sankofa’s TRUTH: An American Icon.
SAMIYAH
ABDUL-HAQQ ‘27 (House Slave & Ensemble III)
Samiyah has been dancing since the age of two and spent much of her childhood in competitive dance. After the competitive chapter came to an end, dance remained a deeper emotional outlet and source of healing instead of comparison endeavour. Samiyah enrolled in the Classical Dance program as a scholarship recipient in her freshman year. She is currently in the Honors program. She has participated in three Fine Arts Christmas Festivals and Classical Dance productions of BMHS Spirit of Dance 2024, HERstory 2025, and Dance Sensations 2026. This is her first year in the Traditional African Music and Dance and Sankofa programs. She is utilizing the opportunity to expand both her cultural and artistic range. Samiyah is also involved in WAEE, My Hair My Crown, and BCA. She is a proud member of the varsity volleyball team. She hopes to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is known for her determination, strong work ethic, and ability to balance academics, athletics, and the arts. She hopes to inspire others through her continued growth as a performer and a leader. As Martha Graham said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”
ABIGAIL SMITH ‘27 (House Slave, Ensemble II)
Abigail has been dancing since six years old and did competitive dance for eight years. She began her dance journey at McNamara by enrolling into Classical Dance her freshman year. This is her first year in the Traditional African Music and Dance program and Sankofa. She has also just finished her second season on the Dance Team. Abigail is currently a member of F.A.D.E. (Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement) and NHSDA (National Honors Society for Dance Arts). During her free time she likes to rhinestone random items in her house. She is excited to perform in this year’s production of TRUTH: An American Icon as a part of the ensemble dancers.
AMIRA CANNADAY ‘27 (House Slave, Ensemble III)
Amira has been in Sankofa for one year. She participated in the Traditional African Music & Dance program for three years and in Classical Dance for one year. She performed in OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle, the Classical Dance production Spirit of Dance, and now TRUTH: An American Icon, where she plays the role of a house slave. Amira has participated in a few dance productions where she helps teach and choreograph dances for future young dancers. She has been a part of the stage crew and participated in outreach with her church, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. At McNamara, she’s involved in athletics as a varsity cheerleader serving as the Captain, Student Ambassador, and Student Council. As she plays the role as a house slave in this production, she plans to dance her best, motivate her peers throughout the show, and to have fun. Seeking to attend college, she has an interest in the child development field, coaching in athletics, and uplifting young children to be the best they can be. Her life philosophy is “Work hard in silence, let success be your noise - Frank Ocean.”
LAUREN THEZARD ‘27 (Field Slave & Ensemble III)
Lauren danced for five years, starting in second grade and took a break in fifth grade. She joined the Traditional African Music and Dance program her freshman year as a scholarship recipient. She joined Sankofa her sophomore year. She participated in MAYA; Phenomenal Woman and OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. She participated in cross country and indoor track during her freshman year, and joined the cheer team in the following year. She is a member of the ASL Club and WAAE Club and is dedicated to Sankofa. Lauren is interested in a career as an orthodontist and cybersecurity. She hopes to attend Bowie State University and believes in cherishing every moment with family and friends because you never know your last day with them. She is excited to honor and celebrate Sojourner in TRUTH: An American Icon.
AVA TOLBERT ‘27 (House Slave, Ensemble II)
Ava has been dancing since she was only three years old. She began her dance journey at McNamara by enrolling into the Classical Dance program her freshman year. She enrolled into the TAMD (Traditional African Music and Dance) and Sankofa programs in her junior year. Ava is currently a member of NHSDA (National Honor Society of Dance Arts). She also had the opportunity to choreograph for a youth dance group, sharing her love of dance with younger dancers. During her free time she loves to listen to music, try new foods, and hang out with friends! In TRUTH: An American Icon, Ava is a part of the ensemble and plans to contribute to the show’s success by dancing with passion and giving her best performance. Above all, she strives to live her life guided by her faith and hopes to continue growing as both a dancer and a person.
LONDON FORREST ‘26 (Field Slave & Ensemble IV)
London has been dancing since the age of five. She has had training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Traditional African Dance. She enrolled as a scholarship recipient in the Traditional African Music and Dance program in her freshman year. London has now been a part of the program for four years and Sankofa for three. She is also a member of the Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (F.A.D.E.) program with a concentration in dance and a varsity cheerleader. After graduation, she plans to attend North Carolina Central University, where she will major in business with the goal of earning her MBA. One thing London would like the world to know is "No need to fix what God already put His paintbrush on."
OLIVIA SHARROW ‘27 (Field Slave)
Olivia has been dancing since the age of three. She enrolled in Classical Dance her freshman, sophomore and junior years, and joined Sankofa her junior year. Olivia is a part of a competitive dance team where she enjoys mentoring younger dancers. Outside of dance, She has been involved in Pre-Med and Psych Clubs. She is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Science National Honors Society (SNHS), and the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA). Olivia is excited to celebrate Sojourner Truth in the production of TRUTH: An American Icon, where she plays a dance character role of a field slave.
MYLES HINES ‘26 (Field Slave, Civil War Soldier, Orchestra III)
Myles has been drumming since the age of four. He enrolled in the Concert Band program during his freshman year, Jazz Ensemble in his sophomore year as a drummer, then Concert Band to the Wind Ensemble in his junior year. Myles joined the Traditional African Music and Dance program in his senior year. Besides the arts, Myles has been involved in the school's football and track teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and a Peer Minister. After graduation, Myles plans to attend North Carolina A&T and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Words Myles lives by are "You can either live through the pain of discipline or live with the pain of regret." He is excited to play multiple roles in the upcoming production of TRUTH: An American Icon
Donovan has been drumming for two years. He enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program his junior year. He performed in the Sankofa production of OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. In sports, Donocan has been heavily involved in football, playing on the varsity team all four years. He earned the honor of Second Team All Conference his junior year. After graduation, Donovan will hopefully attend Howard or Salisbury University and pursue a career in business management, sports marketing, and football. He is looking forward to his new character dancer and drummer roles in Sankofa’s TRUTH: An American Icon
ETHNAN WILLIAMS ‘26 (Field Slave, Soldier, Orchestra III)
Ethnan enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program in his junior year and has developed a significant amount of love towards African Music. He performed in the Sankofa Production OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle as a Senator and a member of the orchestra. He is looking forward to similar roles in TRUTH: An American Icon. In school, he is involved in multiple clubs, Class Cabinet, and participated in Melt. After graduation, he plans to attend The University of Maryland and major in computer science but wants to specialize in cybersecurity.
AARON DAWSON ‘27 (Judge, Orchestra II)
Aaron enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program as a drummer in his junior year. He has had interest in percussion instruments since a young age. The traditional African instruments and rhythms are a welcomed challenge and opportunity to expand his horizons in world music. He is excited to combine that responsibility with the featured character role of the Judge in TRUTH: An American Icon. Besides the Arts, Aaron is a member of the varsity football team. He is interested in computer science as a major when he is done with high school.
KAYA BENJAMIN (Narrator II)
This is Kaya's first Sankofa production at Bishop McNamara. She has been involved in Theatre her whole high school career; She participated as part of the vocal ensemble in the 2025 Fall Musical: The Wiz, 2022’s Little Women, and the principal role of Grace Farrell in 2024 Annie. She is a four year summa cum laude student, Senior Class PR Officer, and is a member of National Honor Society (NHS), National English Honor Society (NEHS), National Science Honor Society (NSHS), Rho Kappa Honor Society, Poetry Club, The WAAE, and Black Stage and Screenwriters Association, which she founded her sophomore year. She plans to major in human biology on a pre-dental track in college. Her biggest philosophy in life is “Love is the very thing that saves us all.” She is looking forward to the role as a narrator in TRUTH: An American Icon.
MADISON BRIDGES ‘26 (Narrator III)
Madison has been a part of the Fine Arts Department all four years of high school and her passion for the arts has continued to grow and flourish. She performed in the ensemble in the 2022 Fall Musical production of Little Women, participated as a saxophonist in the Honors Concert Band, and performed at the annual Fine Arts Christmas Festival as a member of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. In this production of TRUTH: An American Icon, Madison is proud to take on the role of a narrator relating the story to the audience. Outside of Fine Arts, Madison is a member of four honors societies. She is the president of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, co-founder of the Closer 2 God (C2G) Fellowship, member of the BMHS Peer Ministry Program, and the captain of the varsity cross country team. Post-graduation, Madison intends to study marine biology and ecology at the University of Miami, pursuing a career as a scientific scuba diver and coral physiologist. Though she will be science focused, Madison plans to nourish her love of the arts by joining her university’s Acting Club. One of her firmest beliefs is in being a voice for the voiceless and advocating for the natural and social communities that have been ignored by society.
LEAH BRYANT ‘26 (Narrator IV)
Leah played Aunt Em and a Hot Box Girl in the fall musicals The Wiz and Guys and Dolls respectively. She is an Advance Placement student who loves to take on challenges in the arts to balance her rigorous academic work. Leah is also the President of the National Art Honors Society (NAHS), a member of Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honors Society, the Science National Honors Society (SNHS), a member of the W.A.A.E. club, and a member of the Senior Class Cabinet. This past summer, she also accepted a Public Health and Medical Advanced internship with Leadership Initiatives, working with a team to create a workshop for the prevention of typhoid fever in Bauchi, Nigeria. She studied four diseases; interviewed, diagnosed, and treated a patient in Nigeria via Zoom. She is excited for her role as a narrator in TRUTH: An American Icon
WILLIAM
LIGHTFOOT (Narrator V, Isaac Van Wagener)
William has been a part of multiple Fine Arts productions at Bishop McNamara, chief amongst them is his role as President Rosevelt in the 2024 Fall Musical, Annie, The Wiz in the 2025 The Wiz, and Babatunde in Sankofa’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello in the 2025 OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. His involvement in Bishop McNamara’s extracurriculars include the Fiction Writing Club, Pep Band, and WCAC, along with various other clubs and organizations. While this is his second Sankofa production, he seeks to continue bringing stories to life in college and beyond. William has a passion to encourage, enlighten, and inspire others on stages of all kinds. He is excited to play the role of Narrator in TRUTH: An American Icon.
MAJOR FIELDS ‘26
(Narrator VI)
Freshman year Major was on the shift crew for Little Women. He performed as a soldier in The Mouse That Roared and during his Sophomore year he was Big Jule in Guys and Dolls. In the fall of his Junior year he was Oliver Warbucks in Annie; this was the first time Major had a solo. Major had a fear of singing in front of people, but performing in Annie gave him a new opportunity to try something new. In the spring of his junior year Major played the role of Mr. Boddy in Clue. This is Major’s first participation in Bishop McNamara’s Sankofa production. He is excited to explore the role of a narrator in TRUTH: An American Icon. Major has taken Introduction Theatre, Acting class, Honors Great Stages of Drama, and Concert Choir. He is also a part of Chamber Choir, Show Choir, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He was also inducted into The International Thespian Honor Society. Major intends to take his acting career professionally.
CHLOE LITTLEJOHN ‘27 (Singer I & Ensemble III)
Chloe has been singing and dancing from a young age. She enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program in her freshman year. This is her third year in the program. During that time, she performed in the Sankofa productions of MAYA; Phenomenal Woman, OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle and TRUTH: An American Icon where she is proud to play the dual role of a vocalist and dancer. Chloe is a member of the varsity cheerleading team, ASL Club, My Hair My Crown, and Show Choir.
MICAH TATE ‘27 (Singer II)
Micah has been a dedicated member of the Traditional African Music and Dance program for the past two years. He is a percussionist. He enjoys playing the traditional drums and he also brings experience in theater and choir, having performed in The Wiz, where he played the Tinman. Outside of the arts, Micah is an active member of the school’s track team. In TRUTH: An American Icon, Micah is excited about the role of a vocalist, where he will sing to enhance the moods and emotional state of the characters. He believes in trying new things and strives to use his talents to make a positive impact.
MAJOR
FIELDS ‘26 (Narrator VI)
Freshman year Major was on the shift crew for Little Women. He performed as a soldier in The Mouse That Roared and during his Sophomore year he was Big Jule in Guys and Dolls. In the fall of his Junior year he was Oliver Warbucks in Annie; this was the first time Major had a solo. Major had a fear of singing in front of people, but performing in Annie gave him a new opportunity to try something new. In the spring of his junior year Major played the role of Mr. Boddy in Clue. This is Major’s first participation in Bishop McNamara’s Sankofa production. He is excited to explore the role of a narrator in TRUTH: An American Icon. Major has taken Introduction Theatre, Acting class, Honors Great Stages of Drama, and Concert Choir. He is also a part of Chamber Choir, Show Choir, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He was also inducted into The International Thespian Honor Society. Major intends to take his acting career professionally.
CHLOE LITTLEJOHN
‘27 (Singer I & Ensemble III)
Chloe has been singing and dancing from a young age. She enrolled in the Traditional African Music and Dance program in her freshman year. This is her third year in the program. During that time, she performed in the Sankofa productions of MAYA; Phenomenal Woman, OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle and TRUTH: An American Icon where she is proud to play the dual role of a vocalist and dancer. Chloe is a member of the varsity cheerleading team, ASL Club, My Hair My Crown, and Show Choir.
TAYLOR THOMAS
‘26 (Singer III, Ensemble IV)
Taylor enrolled in the Traditional African Music & Dance program in her sophomore year. She has had training in Ballet, Tap, and gymnastics, which significantly enhanced her strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance for African Dance. Taylor performed in the last two Sankofa Productions, MAYA, Phenomenal Woman and OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. Throughout her time at Bishop McNamara, Taylor has been involved in the Student-Athlete Leadership Council, M.E.L.T Leadership Program, The WAAE Club, Senior Class Cabinet, Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (F.A.D.E.), the Cheerleading Team, My Hair My Crown Club, ASL Honor Society, ASL Club Vice President, and Theatre Technical Crew. She recently co-founded the BMHS Psychology Club. Outside of school, Taylor has been an active member of her church's dance team and choir since the age of five. She has also volunteered every other Saturday at Corinth Baptist Church's food bank, since her freshman year. Taylor has narrowed her university choices down to North Carolina Central University, Hampton University, and Southern University, with plans to major in psychology to pursue her passion for helping others. Taylor is deeply motivated by her belief in spreading the message of God's love and kindness, guided by the principles of Galatians 5:22-23, which highlight kindness as a fruit of the Spirit and a characteristic developed through following Christ. She is excited to sing and dance in TRUTH: An American Icon.
WHO IS WHO
VICTOR BAH (Choreographer, Director) ) is a dance and theatre educator. He majored in dance theater at the renowned School of the Performing Arts at the University of Ghana. During his college years, he was recruited to join with Abibigromma - the National Dance Theatre Company resident at the University, with which he traveled extensively to local and international venues, dazzling audiences with traditional music and dance from West Africa. Highlights of his performance years include his participation in the ceremonial welcoming performance for President Bill Clinton in Ghana, the first Emancipation Day Celebration that brought together people in the African diaspora to Ghana, and the welcoming ceremony for African Heads of State in Tripoli, Libya. After college, Victor Bah traveled through Europe, south-east Asia, and Australia where he studied and taught African Dance and theatre. He joined the Bishop McNamara community in 2001, became the theater director for years, and has since written, choreographed and directed over twenty dance theatre productions: Africa, Spirit, Passion, Generation, Hamile, King, Agoni, Mambo, Cleopatra, Romjuliata, Maafa, Cristo, MO; The Deliverer, HARRIET & The Underground, VIOLET; Story About Love, MADIBA: Life Of Courage, VOICES IN EXILE; Simone & Makeba, YAA ASANTEWAA & The Battle for the Golden Stool, MAYA; Phenomena Woman & OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle and TRUTH: An American Icon. He has worked with renowned performing artists, choreographers and designers in the Washington DC area; chief amongst them was with composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch at the Opera House (Kennedy Centre). Victor directed and co-produced dance theatre productions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Hamile) and Harriet and The Underground at the Lincoln Theatre and Warner Theatre in Washington, DC respectively, under the auspices of Bishop McNamara High School. He resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
MIAN HAIRSTON (Choreographer & Deputy Director) is a Maryland based artist. She graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she got her BFA in dance performance. Mian has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Milton Myers, Tommie - Waheed Evans, Juel D. Lane, Kyle & Dinita Clark, and so much more. Mian is in her first season with Sound eXpressed Dance Company, under the direction of Amanda Standard. She began her training at Divine Dance Institute in Capitol Heights, Maryland. She has studied various styles such as horton, jazz, African, ballet, tap, Afro-Carribean and House. Along with being a performing artist, Mian is a choreographer. Her movement stems from the four elements earth, wind, fire and water. The process is to find the fluidity through water, the urgency and soul through fire, the spirit and euphoria through wind, and the groundedness of the earth. Within her style, imagination and faith are a key part of her research. Her overall goal is for the viewers to experience an unexplainable feeling and to know that with God anything is possible.
MICHAEL JACKSON JR. (Guest Choreographer - Original Sin)
Michael is a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and photographer who began his training at age 14 at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. He performed for 12 seasons with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (2012–2024) and has also performed seasons with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and PHILADANCO. His repertoire includes works by Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Christopher Huggins, Jiří Kylián, and Hope Boykin. His credits include B-Boy Blues (BET+) and Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and has collaborated with artists including Cynthia Erivo. He is currently an adjunct professor at George Mason University and the founder of Good Mess.
NICOLE KLETT (Guest Choreographer - Isavsally)
Nicole found her love for dance at a very young age. Originally inspired by old musicals and dance movies, Nicole grew up performing and training in northern Virginia and attended The University of Virginia. Her work has been presented on stages throughout the DC area and she’s directed productions at prestigious venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Fillmore Silver Spring. As Artistic Director of Capitol Movement in partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment, Nicole directed tours through Italy, Turkey, Djibouti, Bahrain, and Japan. Currently, Nicole is the Director of the Capitol Movement Pre-Professional Company in Washington, DC and Co-Owner/Artistic Director of The Movement Studios in Springfield, Virginia. She is also on faculty with Platinum National Dance Competition as a teacher and judge. Nicole has been awarded a Virginia Governor’s Award for service to Virginia youth in the arts and has received numerous choreography awards throughout the DC area. While a student at the University of Virginia, Nicole was co-director of a student run team that was instrumental in organizing and founding the Dance Minor at the University. She is very passionate about both dance and teaching, believing that every movement and moment has meaning that extends far beyond the studio.
AVA GARLAND ‘23 (Co-Guest Choreographer - Brutalist, Caitlin’s Rage)
Ava is a Bishop McNamara alum and a student at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Ava has been dancing since the age of two, training in various styles of dance such as ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and more for seventeen years. At Bishop McNamara, she was a part of the Classical Dance program from freshman to senior year and the Traditional African Music and Dance program for two years. Ava was also an Honors Sankofa Company member, choreographer, and lead role of Yaa Asantewaa in the 2023 Sankofa production during her time at Bishop McNamara. Ava is currently pursuing her passions outside of school, being a part of Dance 2XS Michigan, a Coed Hip-Hop Team based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ava plans to continue pursuing dance through her studies, performing, and choreography in hopes of being a professional in the near future.
Amina is currently a first year student at the University of Maryland, studying journalism. She began dancing at the age of two and trained through high school where she began her experiences with the Bishop McNamara Classical Dance, African Dance, and Sankofa Dance Theater programs. In addition to training, she also began choreographic work. She is continuing to dance with Forward Motion Dance Company at Maryland, and is continuing her choreographic work in Sankofa alongside her sister.
FAITH HARRISON ‘23 (Guest Choreographer - From Trauma To Mamoema)
Faith is a Sophomore at Hood College and a Bishop McNamara alum, where she graduated as the “Woman of the Year”' and recipient of the Fine Arts Department Award. She began dancing at the age of three and choreographing dances in her family room at age ten. While Faith will always love to dance, her true passion lies in choreography. Faith served as a student choreographer for two years, contributing to multiple McNamara productions within both the Honors Classical Dance program and the African Dance program. Faith not only choreographs pieces for upper levels at McNamara, but she also teaches ballet to ages two through eight at Dance Dimensions in Forestville, Maryland. She joined Dance Dimensions in 2014 and has since participated in several dance conventions, competitions, community performances, and more. Faith thoroughly loves giving back to the studio that poured unconditional love, investment, and confidence into her. She aspires to instill those same qualities in every dancer she teaches, regardless of age, environment, or skill level. Faith hopes to continue choreographing while she’s in college and possibly in the future. While dance has her heart, Faith also shares a deep passion for entrepreneurship. She is currently the CEO of F.O.B, aka Faith’s Organization Business, where she organizes fridges, pantries, rooms, and more. Faith hopes to continue pursuing entrepreneurship as she studies business administration. Her life mantra: “You cannot have a million-dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic.”
PATRICK CASIMIR (Guest Choreographer - Plaintiff)
Patrick is a Boston native, who began to hone in on his love and appreciation of the performing arts in his early years of junior high. While finishing a degree in Business at Florida State University, Patrick directed a Tallahassee dance company that created evening length productions and toured throughout Florida. Patrick moved to Orlando where he earned a M.A. in Business Administration, as well as a B.A. in Dance, which brought him to perform throughout the United States and abroad. Patrick augmented his training with faculty and choreographers including Michael Foley, Andee Scott, Jeanne Travers, Kevin Iega Jeff, Gary Abbott, and Jennifer Archibald. Recent performance credits include On the Brink, which debuted at The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage with Maverick Lemons Dance Project, In The Company of Men with VT Dance, and the Marvin Gaye Project What’s Going On with Vincent Thomas, Ralph Glenmore, and Sylvia Souma.
JORDAN GREGORY ‘23 (Co-Guest Choreographer - Mother’s Anguish)
Jordan is a dedicated choreographer and dancer currently studying at Spelman College. With a passion for movement and storytelling, she has experience in Traditional African Dance, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and commercial dance styles. She previously choreographed for Bishop McNamara’s productions Voices in Exile and Yaa Asantewaa & The Battle for the Golden Stool, bringing dynamic and expressive movement to the stage. In addition to her choreographic work, she is deeply involved in her college dance community and continues to refine her craft through performance and creative exploration. She is honored to return to her alma mater and contribute to this production.
Khadijatou is currently a freshman at Fordham University in New York City. Khadi is an enthusiastic performer and choreographer. She has been in dance training since age 3 and loves to entertain and enlighten her audience through her artistic expression in dance and choreography. In addition to dancing, Khadi is a certified United States Figure Skating coach and has choreographed for ice skating productions in the greater D.C. area. Khadi received her first taste of choreographing as a student at the Paula Brown Performing Arts Center, and further as a student in the Kennedy Center Dance Lab under the tutelage of Hope Boykin. Since then she has created pieces for the BMHS Classical Dance Productions, Sankofa Productions and Expressions Dance Alliance at Fordham. During her time at McNamara, Khadi participated in four Classical Dance Productions as well as the Sankofa Productions; YAA ASANTEWAA & The Battle For The Golden Stool, MAYA, Phenomenal Woman and OLETO, The Albin Of Vencalle. Currently, she is a member of Expressions Dance Alliance where she is getting ready to perform for her second semester in the company and her first semester choreographing on the collegiate level.
As a native of Washington, DC, Jaday Myers began her dance training at the age of four at Divine Dance Institute in Capitol Heights, MD under the direction of Amanda F. Standard. After graduating from Elizabeth Seton High School she continued her pre-professional training at Towson University and graduated with a B.F.A in Dance Performance and Choreography as well as a B.S in General Psychology in Spring 2021. There she received superb training from Linda Denise Fisher-Harrell, Catherine Horta-Hayden, Vincent Thomas, Erin Du, and others. Throughout her collegiate experience, Myers was able to train at various summer intensives at various summer intensives such as Earl Moseley Institute of the Arts, Pneuma Dance Project, and The Dance Institute of Washington where she attended on full scholarship. She has performed works by Will B. Bell, Vincent Thomas, Earl Mosley, Troy Powell, Fabian Barnes, Ray Mercer, along with many others. Now her passion lies in developing the next generation of dancers to be technically sound and well-rounded artists. She is now a full time dance educator at Corkran Middle School in Anne Arundel County and is on faculty at Divine Dance Institute, Dance Athletics Studio, and The Washington Ballet. Most recently, Myers has become the founder of theStudio, a dance training center that aims to develop, inspire and connect with dancers who dream in both traditional and nontraditional dance education settings. She aims for her work to go beyond the studio setting in hopes to reinforce discipline, ignite passion, and shape confident individuals.
SHELTON GORDON (Drumming Coordinator)
Shelton was born into a musical family and began his love for music at a very young age. He received his first drum set at the age of 1 and hasn't put down the sticks since. He began his career in the church where he shared his love for God and music. Since then he has been exposed to playing different genres such as: Gospel, Gogo, R&B, Pep/ Marching band, and the newest, Traditional African. Since joining the program his sophomore year at McNamara, his knowledge of the culture and musical language has grown significantly. His passion for drums and music has grown so much since he left Bishop McNamara in 2023 that he has returned to support Mr. Bah and the program by sharing his cultural and musical knowledge with current students.
KIM COLLINS (Resident Costume Designer)
Kim started sewing at thirteen years old when her mom gifted a sewing machine on her birthday. She discovered her passion for design and sewing so she took a class in Home Economics at Fairmont Heights High, Capitol Heights, where she continued to hone her talents. She went to Howard University for college where she graduated with a degree in fashion and design. Family came along and compelled a brief hiatus from commissioned work, but she soon refocused after her children grew into adulthood. She has designed and sewed for prom, weddings, theatrical and dance productions, clergy and choir gowns, and plenty more. Her affiliation with Bishop McNamara began when her grand-daughter Korie Gwynn enrolled in the Dance programs. Director Bah asked her to be the associate costume designer for MO The Deliverer and since then she been the main costume designer for Sankofa’s Harriet & The Underground, to Violet, The Story of Love, Madiba, A Life Of Courage, Voices In Exile, Makeba & Simone, Yaa Asantewaa & The Battle for the Golden Stool, Maya, Phenomenal Woman, OLETO; The Albin Of Vencalle and Truth: An American Icon. Her interest in designing for full length theatrical dance production has come full circle with her annual contribution to this unique program in this special school. She will continue to volunteer and be part of Sankofa productions as long as she has breath and is needed. She lives by the philosophy of “No tolerance for foolishness because she’s got stuff to do.”
DEWAYNE MCKINNON (Scenic Design & Painter)
DeWayne is the creative force and founder behind Atomsmart based in the DMV, a dynamic company that merges innovation, sustainability, and education to empower art enthusiasts. Guided by the belief that every atom holds the potential to become a masterpiece, Dewayne has driven Atomsmart’s mission to inspire lives and deliver a smarter way to incorporate creativity. His vision not only turns ideas into compelling works of art but also enriches the world with designs that push the envelope of artistic innovation.
GERALD GEORGE (Dr. G.) PhD (Fine Arts Technical Director) is the Fine Arts Technical Director at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, MD. A theatre generalist, he has a background in higher education, theatre production, and management. Outside the classroom, his theatre experience includes work in traditional and non-traditional stagings of straight plays, musical theatre, and theatre for young audiences. He serves as Associate Technical Director of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts and in diverse capacities including stage direction, design, technical direction, performance, stage management, production management, and non-profit theatre management. A Marine veteran, and member of the Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and the Fleet Reserve Association, he has also been active in the community having served as a three-term member on the City of Bowie Arts Committee – an advisory body to the City Council.
CLASS OF 2026
NINA ALLEN
CHARLES ANTHONY
AMAIYA BAPTISTE
DONOVAN BARNES
KAYA BENJAMIN
BRAYDEN BOSTON
KENNEDY BOWEN Ғ ◊
MADISON BRIDGES
LEAH BRYANT α
KARINA CHO
MJ DICKERSON JR.
JAYLA-SKYE DOUGLASS
MAJOR FIELDS
KENNEDY FLEMING
LONDON FORREST Ғ
JOURNEY GARDNER
KEY’ONTAE GLENN
TYLER HAWKINS
CHAYSE HERNDON-SMITH Ғ ◊
MYLES HINES ♫
ELIJAH HOPSON
ANDRE JACKSON
MISCHA JAMES ◊
TAJ JOHNSON
ZURI KENYATTE
TALIAH LEWIS Ғ ◊
WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT ♫
CHRISTIAN LITTLEJOHN
ASHLEY NKONGCHU
ALANA NORTH
AMARA ODUNUKWE
HADASSAH OFORI-ANSAH
JANJAY REEVES
GABRIELLE RHONE Ғ
JADA ROBINSON Ғ ◊
MAYA STEWART
TAYLOR THOMAS Ғ
NARDRE THOMPSON
XAVIER TIMMONS
KAELA WALKER
CY’MONE WILLIAMS Ғ ◊
ETHNAN WILLIAMS
TRU WOOTEN
Tri-M Music Honor Society = ♫
Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement = Ғ
International Thespian Society = §
National Honor Society for Dance Arts = ◊
National Art Honor Society = α
Join us to celebrate and bid farewell to our seniors on SSFAN May 3, 2026
