Black History Month Inspiration
Childrens Books Can Inspire
One August day I was invited to the main branch of the Little Rock Public Library to read Uncle Jed’s Barbershop to 7 & 8 year olds during Storytime. Since school was not in session parents brought their children. After reading the story, the question and answer period was dominated by parents, who were fascinated with the historical aspects of the story. They shared their childhood memories about going to the barbershop. Some animatedly talked about relatives who were barbers.
But there was not one word from any of the children.
I really wanted to hear what the children thought since Uncle Jed’s Barbershop is a book for children. No matter how long I waited, there was no comment from a child.
After all adults had exhausted their questions and shared their barber stories, I packed my bag to leave.
As I was going out the door, a little girl stopped me. She said, “I liked your story about Uncle Jed. I want to be a doctor when I grow up. But my grandmama keeps saying I’ll never be one. Now I know I can be a doctor.”
The emotions her comment generated in me are indescribable. I knew then I had achieved my goal in writing Uncle Jed’s Barbershop. I wanted to inspire children to dream big dreams for their lives and to believe that those dreams can come true.
But that day, this girl ended up inspiring me. As a result, I felt a bigger responsibility; to make sure as many students as possible heard the story of Uncle Jed’s Barbershop.
The Little Rock library visit was my very first appearance with Uncle Jed’s Barbershop. Since then I have travelled throughout the United States sharing Uncle Jed’s story. And countless children have read about Uncle Jed and his dream of owning a barbershop.
Year after year I receive letters from students telling me about their dreams and how hearing Uncle Jed’s story has convinced them that their dreams can come true. The letters come directly to me after school and event visits.
Letters and emails even arrive from students with which I have had no contact. They have found Uncle Jed’s Barbershop in their school library, their public library, or their teachers read it to them. An interesting aspect of the letters is that the students tell me their dreams, and they also share who tells them they cannot achieve those dreams. Oftentimes, it is a close family member.
I am delighted that Uncle Jed’s Barbershop has inspired and continues to inspire children to dream great dreams for their lives, no matter how unattainable others think those dreams may be!
For further information about Uncle Jed’s Barbershop
Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Music Of Uncle Jed’s Barbershop
The music of Uncle Jed’s Barbershop exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of African American music. In honor of African American Music Appreciation Month, I’m taking a moment to highlight the music in Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, a new family musical created by David Wohl, Kenneth Grimes, and Susan Einhorn and adapted from my book of the same name. Inspired by the music of the 1920’s through the early 1960’s, the musical is uplifting, sizzling, and glorious!
The songs hook you with their rich creativity. An evening at the Uncle Jed’s Barbershop musical is completely satisfying, with theater music influenced by blues, gospel, jazz, spirituals, bebop, and a variety of pop and classical influences.
A joyous celebration of music, the actors deliver emotional punch in every song. But don’t take my word for it. Below are quotes from theatre critics, theater goers, and the creators of the show.
“When the creators of Uncle Jed’s Barbershop decided it was time to finally, fully stage their unapologetically sentimental new family musical, they weren’t messing around. Their cast features Broadway veterans Ken Prymus, Nora Cole, and Terry Burrell, along with a host of local stalwarts including Mary Louise Lee, Harvy Blanks, Leonard Barrett Jr. and Anna High. And they weren’t messing around when they unearthed a then 12-year-old named Yasmine Hunter to share with Lee the leading role of Sarah Jean. Lee brought the backbone and Hunter brought down the house on a solo called ‘I Will Go Where You Go’.” – John Moore, Theatre Critic
“Get ready for some toe-tapping fun! The brainchild of composer David Wohl and co-creators Kenneth Grimes and Sarah Einhorn, this heartwarming performance tells a story of faith, determination and family to the backdrop of a soulful score that traverses decades of musical styles. Theater-goers will find themselves immersed in the story of Sarah Jean Carter and her Uncle Jed, who dreams of one day opening his own barbershop.” – Denver Life Magazine
“Uncle Jed’s Barbershop leaps from the bookshelf to the stage! Colorado composer David Wohl drew inspiration from the music of the 1920’s and 30’s for the score.” – Colorado Public Radio
“Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, an award-winning play, is an inspiring story which all families can learn from. This is the type of show where you don’t get bored. It will get you up and get you moving.” – Good Day Colorado, Fox 31 Denver
“Oh, my God! I have never been to a play where I was so caught up in the music! It touched my soul! I had to go back the next day. The music gripped me even more. I was completely swept back in time. I was mesmerized.” Ira Johnson, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“Uncle Jed’s Barbershop is a stage play the whole family can enjoy. Loaded with life lessons about perseverance, financial, and personal struggles, the music ties everything together. It is fantastic.” – L. R. Henderson, Houston, TX
“This is a show whose family, community, and generational story lines and dynamics tell a powerful and moving universal story for all people of all times. The music is theater music that is both eclectic and ‘rooted’. Influences include blues, spirituals, romantic music, gospel, Motown, country, and so forth. The main purpose of every musical number is to advance plot and to continually fill out the lives of the characters.” – David Wohl, Finale Blog
“To do this show has really been a faith walk. We don’t have systems of support in place to really help independent artists to pull off productions on this scale. We are hopeful that this will launch us to take it nationally.” – Kenneth Grimes, Denver Urban Spectrum
To learn more about the new musical, Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, and its music, visit: Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, A New Musical
Expanding Beyond My Comfort Zone
I jumped off the cliff!
Last year I did something I had always wanted to do. I published my first novel for adult readers, Woman In The Pulpit.
This decision was accompanied by much anxiety, fear, trepidation, and all other emotions that are present when we step outside our comfort zone.
Since my lane, so to speak, is books for children, I expanded slowly. First I wrote a novel for teens, which was published. As a result of taking this step into something new I was invited to appear on panels at book festivals. I enjoyed the experiences and open doors that my YA novel enabled me to enter.
I loved interacting with teens and getting their feedback. They completely identified with the characters in the book and the situations they encountered. They especially identified with the mask people show to the world that everything is okay. As the students in the book, real life students could name situations in their lives when they carried on as usual even though a crisis was occurring that turned their lives upside down.
After swinging my feet off the cliff with my teen novel, The People In The Park, I didn’t want to stop there.
I had projects I’d been working on but kept tinkering and revising.
My novel, Woman In The Pulpit, was sitting on the shelf daring me to step out into the unknown. I picked it up and put it down many times. My inner warring voices fought it out. “Put it out there,” said one voice. “No, don’t,” said the other. “Send it to agents and publishers,” said a voice. “No, not yet,” the other voice said. Back and forth they went. The conversation usually ended with me putting it back on the shelf.
After looking at the manuscript way too many times, I finally decided I didn’t want to answer the ‘What if?’ question years from now.
So I steeled my nerves and went to the edge of the cliff. I closed my eyes. And jumped! Into the unknown!
Oh my! It was scary!
When Woman In The Pulpit was published I had three weeks of travel scheduled with my other books. My trips kept me busy and kept my mind from focusing on what was happening with my newly published book.
Imagine my surprise when I returned home and received a notice that Woman In The Pulpit was on the Hot New Releases list!
I exhaled. And opened my eyes. This was going to work.
During the months since the publication of Woman In The Pulpit many new doors have opened: Speaking to women’s groups, church groups, and book clubs.
I am especially delighted when women in ministry tell me that the book is spot on and illustrates their experiences.
I love all the reviews the book has received. I especially like this one:
“Woman In The Pulpit has it all – humor, drama, love, romance, suspense, tragedy, betrayal, redemption, and some incredible spiritual insights.”
Jumping of the cliff into the unknown reminded me that we shouldn’t be afraid to go after our dreams. In jumping off the cliff I sprouted wings to fly.
I still have other goals and dreams. I’m climbing a mountain this year! Another one of those ‘What if?’ questions. I’m not broadcasting what it is. But this time next year I’ll let you know what happened.
Until then… Don’t be afraid to jump off your cliff.
To Purchase: Woman In The Pulpit
Purchase When Grandmama Sings And Share A Little Jazz This Christmas
When Grandmama Coles gets a big chance, Belle gets one, too. Belle’s going to spend the summer touring the South with Grandmama and a swing jazz band! Belle’s never been outside Pecan Flats, Mississippi and she can’t wait to go on the road with Grandmama, helping her read signs and menus and helping her sing. There are so many new things to see on their travels through the Deep South. But some things aren’t new. Everything is segregated, just like at home. But Grandmama stands up for what’s right. And when she sings, Belle knows that Grandmama’s song can bring everyone together.
Readers are saying:
“This is a beautiful story that teaches young readers about the time of segregation and the importance of music, mainly how it can bring people together.” – L. Calebrese
“When Grandmama Sings is a great book and should be read by everyone.” – Anna
“This book takes readers back to the segregated Deep South where obstacles abound, but courage and the desire to chase a dream are much greater.” – Coach A
When Grandmama Sings is the winner of the Living The Dream Award. It was also named a Best Book of the Year by Bank Street.
For Further Information:
This Christmas Give The Book That Inspired An Award-Winning Musical
Sarah Jean’s Uncle Jed was the only black barber in the county. He had a kind heart and a warm smile. And he had a dream. Living in the segregated South of the 1920’s, where most people were sharecroppers, Uncle Jed had to travel all over the county to cut his customers’ hair. He lived for the day when he could open his very own barbershop. But it was a long time, and many setbacks, from five-year-old Sarah Jean’s emergency operation to the bank failures of the Great Depression, before the joyful day when Uncle Jed opened his shiny new shop – and twirled a now grown-up Sarah Jean around in the barber chair.
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop has received numerous awards, including a Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award, the Living The Dream Book Award, the Charlie May Simon Honor Book Award, and is a featured Reading Rainbow book.
Readers are saying:
“Now I know how to explain to my dad that I will never give up on my dreams.” -Z. Chowhury, 4th grade
“As a mother and teacher I have never read a book for children that was so rich in content and emotion.” -M. Berkowitz, New jersey
“When I read that book I started back believing in my dream.” -T. Allen, 3rd grade
“When I first read this book back in elementary school I loved it and still do. I am a college sophomore now. Ms. Mitchell had come to our school. She wrote ‘Never Give Up On Your Dreams’ in my book. I’m following that dream by going to college.” -A. Jones
A musical has been adapted from Uncle Jed’s Barbershop. It has won the following awards:
- ASCAP/Disney Workshop Winner
- O’Neill Musical Theatre Conference Finalist
- Richard Rodgers Award Finalist
- National Music Theater Network’s Director’s Choice Award Winner
- Featured Show in the New York Musical Theater Festival
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop opened to rave reviews in Denver at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre – September, 2015.
For more information:
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop musical
Vote Today!
It’s Voting Day! A time to vote and make your voice heard!
There are many issues facing you and your community. Don’t just sit back and let others decide. This is a perfect day to take your child or grandchild with you when you vote so you can explain the importance of making your voices heard at the ballot box.
Walk them through the voting process. Explain why you are voting a particular way on an issue. Explain why you are voting for a certain candidate.
It is never too early to instill in children the importance of the power of the vote! They will always remember how important voting is to you. And when they are able to vote they will.
As ‘Little Joe’ says in Granddaddy’s Gift when she reaches the age of 18:
“Now I could vote and make my own voice heard.
Granddaddy had taught me to stand up for things, even if I was scared, and always to be proud. His gift never left me.
At the top of the courthouse steps, Granddaddy took my hand. We had come a long way. We still had a long way to go.”
For further information: Granddaddy’s Gift
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop Musical – Opening Night
Oh, what a night!
Opening night of the new musical Uncle Jed’s Barbershop was a night to remember! Even though I have seen every rendition of the show, I felt like I was seeing it for the very first time due to the freshness of its present incarnation and the exuberance of its actors and dancers. High-spirited music and soul-stirring singing took me back in time.
From Bring Our Brother Home to It Felt So Real the strong, powerful voices of the actors as they sang transported me to rural Arkansas where I dreamed along with Uncle Jed about his barbershop. The incomparable Mary Louise Lee and Yasmine Hunter brought Sarah Jean to life as she dreamed right along with Uncle Jed.
Ken Prymus as Uncle Jed looks as if he stepped right out of the pages of the book. The voices of Nora Cole as Twyla and Terry Burrell as Rachel soar through pain and hope.
After the show there were copies of the book Uncle Jed’s Barbershop available for me to sign. Enthusiastic theater goers eagerly purchased them all!
I met people who had travelled from New York , Washington, D. C., and other locations to see the show. Special thanks to my Colorado friends Larry and Carol Weaver, and Leslie Henderson who flew in from Houston, TX.
Opening night was magical! It was a joy to sit in the theater and experience the talented cast – actors, singers, dancers, and musicians – who brought Uncle Jed’s Barbershop to life!
A special shout-out to David Wohl, Kenneth Grimes, and Susan Einhorn for their creative vision. You have nurtured the show from just a thought in your mind to a world-class production!
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop is in Denver at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater through October 18, 2015.