Washington, DC

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DPR Media Contacts: John Stokes (202) 288-7275, [email protected]
 

(Washington, DC) - The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC) founded by Ms. Cora Masters along with the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) tennis scholars, will celebrate the rich history of their culture by portraying America’s most prolific heroes, in the 10th Annual Blacks in Wax performances.

What started as an alternative method for educating youth about African-American history has become one of most successful DPR programs. Each vignette is a awe inspiring portrayal of historical, familiar and contemporary characters, those forgotten, and those many did not know exist. SETLC scholars will portray characters from abolitionist and humanitarian Harriet Tubman to women's rights founder and activist Susan B. Anthony to First Lady Michelle Obama. Other famous people include Beyonce, Maya Angelou, Chuck Brown, Serena Williams, Arthur Ashe and more. The renowned Blacks in Wax museum is a creative and exciting production that educates and entertains all ages through the arts. Combining drama, music, dance and theater, the SETLC youth bring African-American and world history to life for school groups, family and friends, and theater patrons.

“I am so excited that not only are we celebrating the 10th year of showcasing the extraordinary talent of the teens and children of the SETLC; but this year, we are performing for the first time in the auditorium of the newly renovated Frank W. Ballou Senior High School,” said Cora Masters Barry, Founder & Chairman of the SETLC and RWLC.  “The Blacks In Wax performances will be the first outside performances ever held in the school’s auditorium,” Mrs. Barry says.

“DPR has over 35 events a month. The Blacks in Wax event is one of our top notch productions that showcases the artistic talents of our District youth. The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) continues to empower our youth while expanding their minds,” says Keith Anderson, Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. “You will be inspired and moved by the historical significance of the characters portrayed. To know that these same youth actors play tennis, design clothes, build robots, and engage in computer classes is nothing short of amazing. This is another reason why the SETLC is a beacon of hope and excellence for District residents. “

The celebration begins on Friday, March 18, 2016, in the auditorium of the newly renovated Frank W. Ballou Senior High School, located in Ward 8, 3401 4th Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20032; 1:00PM, for area school children; 6:30PM for the general public.  The second, on Sunday, March 20, 2016, from 5:00PM-7:00PM, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,  2700 “F” Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20566.

About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.

 

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