by C. Henry Adams
On February 17th 1930 - Big Bethel A.M.E. Church 1st debut ' Heaven Bound ' an African American Folk Drama conceptualized by Lula B. Jones & written by Nellie L. Davis of this World Famous & Renown Church.
The original purpose of the event or past-time was to raise money for an organization reeling from the Great Depression to say the very least.
As a Christian who believes in prayer, I would like to think in my professional opinion that prayers reaching back to the descendants of slaves, many nationalities, creeds, races & status over 9 decades established this annual occasion for 89 years, thus far.
To grasp a great impression of this instance in time, I took a seat on Wednesday Night of November 6th 2019 at its final rehearsal.
Needless to say while listening to melodious nature of music, my tough military exterior & spirit was moved when tears start flowing from the eyes.
Fore, I recalled my late Mother ( Emma KS Adams ) singing old hymnals in the kitchen while preparing a meal.
Thus, it was when I realized that my purpose for being there was no coincidence.
As I quietly sat listening to the Director, Author & Attorney - Gregory D. Coleman, an example of one of those extraordinary people, I often wrote about in previous blogs; I was encouraged.
Then, while in awe, I observed a cast of multiple generations of People. Ages that range from the teenage years to the 70's.
Curious to learn more regarding ' Heaven Bound '; the next day, I called my Mentor Mother, Dr. Nellie Adams ( not related ). Having been a member of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church since childhood; she was the ideal Subject Matter Expert (SME).
She revealed the evolution of this historical musical when she stated there are two versions of the appearance.
1) On Friday, November 8th 2019, the Traditional Version of ' Heaven Bound ' will be presented.
2) On Saturday Night November 9th 2019, the Contemporary Version of ' Heaven Bound ' will appear.
Where: Big Bethel A.M.E. Church
220 Auburn Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30303 USA
(404) 827-9707
When again? Friday, November 8th 2019 & Saturday, Night November 9th 2019
What time? 7:00 pm EST
Admission: $15.00 USD
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