WAYCROSS!!!

Lots going on in our little town.  Change is slow, maybe slower here than elsewhere—yeah, really slower here than elsewhere. But still…..

This week was powerful.  Thursday night a group of people, some familiar, some new to each other, met to talk about making things happen.    Friday night we attended an exhibit by a young, talented and local black artist, Xavius Toombs, whose work blew us away! 

Saturday, some of the Thursday group surprised even themselves by standing with signs facing a major traffic area protesting the current government of our country.  One same-sex married couple proudly raised the rainbow flag in support of LGBQT rights.  I’m pretty sure this is a first for Waycross.  A first for many of our group. For others, our last protest was many many years ago.  People drove by and some shouted, some honked, some gave us hand signals (fingers and fist bumps both).  The law enforcement personnel present (in much larger numbers than warranted) were both helpful and courteous.  Our numbers were small but the number present at the rally was not much bigger.  And I know for a fact that not all of them were there to support our current President.        

I am proud of us.  -

Later that day the Okefenokee Heritage Center hosted an “Open Mic” night in conjunction with Black History month events and sponsored by several groups as well:  the “Plug and Play Guild” and “The Early Risers Foundation”.  This was a night for poetry, rap, electronic music, jazz, rock, bluegrass and gospel.  All under one group.  Absolutely top quality professional performances by Bishop James and the Glory Bank, Millwood Drive and Clockwork.  A member of Millwood Drive, the white bluegrass/country/gospel group expressed surprise that they were so well-received by the predominantly African-American audience.  I’m not surprised; good music has no racial barriers—if you take the time to listen.

All of the above comes after another groundbreaking production, “God’s Trombones”, at First Antioch African Baptist Church” earlier in the month, a production that combined the best of the Waycross Ministry, inspiration along with entertainment.

More is coming; my group, Purlie Productions is doing “The Diary of Anne Frank” in April, hosting a Summer Theater Camp and hopefully bringing back “Purlie Victorious” in the fall.    No small measure of thanks belongs to Elizabeth Welch, Executive Director of Okefenokee Heritage Center, and her gift in bringing together these wonderful examples of a diverse community in action.

Welcome to the World Waycross, Georgia!