FREE TO PUBLIC! Councilor Crystal Smitherman presents YOUTHSPEAK: A Celebration of Black History at Red Mountain Theatre Friday, Feb 23rd at Noon. Local schools come together to present various art forms celebrating African Americans and the Arts. Music Art, Poetry, Dance and more. See flyer for participating schools.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY CAST MEMBERS OF THE COLOR PURPLE (Red Mountain Theatre’s current production)
Location: Red Mountain Theatre
1600 3RD AVE S. BIRMINGHAM AL 35233
Date: Friday, February 23, 2024
Time: Noon until 1:30 pm
MORE INFORMATION:
Councilor Crystal Smitherman hosting Third Annual YouthSpeak event at Red Mountain Theatre
Councilor Crystal Smitherman will be hosting the third annual YouthSpeak event – a community-focused Black History Month showcase on Friday, February 23th beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Red Mountain Theatre.
In partnership with Red Mountain Theatre, Councilor Smitherman is pleased to present this exciting event that will feature students from Birmingham City Schools putting on various performances that celebrate Black history. The event is free and open to the public and will feature dance and choir performances as well as a poetry competition. Councilor Smitherman will also serve as emcee for the event.
Councilor Smitherman said she was inspired to showcase some of Birmingham’s talent-rich students in such a way that also celebrates Black History through art and live performances.
“Last year’s YouthSpeak event was such an amazing experience for the students and everyone who took part in celebrating the creativity that we have here in Birmingham,” Councilor Smitherman said. “I’d like to thank our partners with Red Mountain Theatre for their continued support and also all the teachers and educators who help bring out the best in our young people.”
Red Mountain Theatre Executive Director Keith Cromwell said this event is a great opportunity for young people to be introduced to the performing arts.
“Councilwoman Smitherman has brought students from all over our city together for this YouthSpeak event,” Keith Cromwell said. “Even though we’re looking back at the achievements of African Americans and the Arts on the stage today, we’ll get to see the sparks of our city’s future. It might look like ‘just’ dancing, or doodling, or singing, but the arts are a vital way for young people to find their voice. We talk about ‘hard skills and soft skills,’ but the arts aren’t soft, they’re essential. It’s one of the deepest ways we forge connection and community. The arts make us good humans, and that’s the most essential skill we can learn. It has been such a privilege to be part of this collaboration, and I’m so excited to hear what these young people have to say,”
For those who cannot join us in person, please visit the Birmingham City Council’s Facebook page to watch the livestream.
