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“Ain’t I A Woman” production at DCCC highlights four historic African-American women

Actress Shinnerrie Jackson portraying Sojourner Truth.

Actress Shinnerrie Jackson portrays ex-slave and abolitionist Sojourner Truth in a production of “Ain’t I A Woman.” Truth was just one of the four famous African-American women featured in the production.

February 19, 2019 – Davidson County Community College will host a musical production of the Core Ensemble’s “Ain’t I A Woman” on Wednesday, February 27, at 11 a.m. in the Reich auditorium of the Davidson campus. This event is free and open to the public.

“Ain’t I A Woman” showcases the experiences of four historical African-American women. The stories focus on the life and times of renowned novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, ex-slave and abolitionist Sojourner Truth, folk artist Clementine Hunter and noted civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer.

“This program will do more than teach students about social studies and history,” Lynne Watts, Director of Student Life and Leadership at DCCC, said. “It also focuses on how the individual actions of these four women embody character traits that were anchors for the many ethical decisions at the heart of their compelling stories.”

The production also features a musical score to help bring these stories to life on stage.

The musical score is drawn from the heartfelt spirituals and blues of the Deep South, the urban vitality of the Jazz Age, and contemporary concert music by African Americans. The production is a joyful exploration of the trials and triumphs of these four passionate and accomplished women.

Chamber Music Theatre is unique performance format developed by the Core Ensemble featuring a marriage of theatrical narrative to chamber music performance. Actress Shinnerrie Jackson portrays multiple characters while interacting with the onstage musical trio of cello, piano and percussion.

Since 1993, the Core Ensemble has toured in every region of the United States and internationally to Australia, England, Russia, Ukraine, and the British Virgin Islands. The have also received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.

“Our Office of Student Life wanted to give students the chance to engage with the stories of these truly revolutionary women, particularly in light of Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March,” Watts said.


About Davidson County Community College

Founded in 1963, Davidson County Community College is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, DCCC offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs to students in Davidson and Davie counties, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to 4-year universities. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, DCCC is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields. Visit Davidson County Community College at DavidsonCCC.edu.

Media Contact:

Jonathan Williams
Communications Specialist
Davidson County Community College
PO Box 1287
office: (336) 224-4510
Jonathan_Williams@davidsondavie.edu