BENNETTSVILLE — Members of the Sawmill Missionary Baptist Church sponsored a play titled, “A Voice From the Past For the Future.” The play honored leaders of the past who has shaped and inspired many generations.

Participants presented biographical readings and quotes, and they also dressed the role of the leader they portrayed.

Leaders were: Sojouner Truth portrayed by Gloria Evans, Fredrick Douglas portrayed by Kendricks Douglas, Harriet Tubman portrayed by Linda McLaughlin, Ida B. Wells-Barnett portrayed by Gloria Anderson, Booker T. Washington portrayed by Levern Miles, George Washington Carver portrayed by Anthony Hersey, Mary Church Terrell portrayed by Ruby McRae, Mary McLeod Bethune portrayed by Linda Calhoun, Rosa Parks portrayed by Valerie Moore, bus driver portrayed by Barry Malloy, lady waiting to get on the bus was portrayed by Teresa Reid, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was portrayed by Ronnie Moore.

Other participants were the following:

Bus riders

Annie Bell Dease, Mahilda Douglas, Peggy Ford, Hiltra Watson, Ella Curry, Gloria Evans, James Eilum, and Elzanie Dease.

Police officers

Ira Dease and John Boston.

Protesters

McKenzie Douglas and David Springle.

The play was narrated by Carrie Ash. In addition to the play, each Sunday the following youth presented readings that highlighted contributions made by African Americans: Addison Hersey presented a reading on Misty Copeland a American Ballet Dancer, McKenzie Douglas presented a reading on Fritz Pollard a NFL player, Aubrey Fuller presented a reading on Sharea Bracey – Marlboro County’s first African American Treasurer, Malia Fuller presented a reading on Marquita McLain, Marlboro County’s first African American Clerk of Court, David Springle presented a reading on John Lewis American Civil Rights Activist, and Shamyra Gee presented a reading on Alice Coachman an Olympic gold medalist track and field star.

The month long event ended with a special dinner prepared by church members. The dinner included the following: Turkey wings, fried and baked chicken, pig feet, fat back, dressing, rice and gravy, macroni and cheese, butter beans, field peas, collard greens, cabbage, potato souffle’, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls, assorted cakes and pies, tea and lemonade.

Ms. Hiltra Watson was play director and James J. Anderson is pastor.