Val- Gray Ward: Performing History

        As I made the trip to Trinity Hall for the Val- Gray Ward, One Women Poetry reading, I regretfully admit I was not expecting to to enjoy myself. I predetermined that this would be a situation where I would find myself sitting in an audience of five people for an hour while we listened to some stranger ramble off abstract poetry.  I could not have been more incorrect in my pre- diagnosis of the event.  As I walked into the building, about fifteen minutes early, there was barely a chair to be found.  In fact, people were in the process of pulling out more chairs to meet the demand.  The audience was filled with students and faculty, but it was obvious that many members of the community were there as well.  After a quick introduction, a small elderly woman rose from her chair and hobbled over to the podium, introduced herself as Val- Gray Ward and proceeded to deliver an hour of profound, thought provoking entertainment that was not only a testiment to the power of a good poet's ability to capture an audience, but also a moving tribute to great African- Americans and there historic contributions and struggles.  Although I regret to admit I negatively judged the performance prematurely, I am greatful I was wrong.

          Val- Gray Ward is a seventy year old woman with quite a background. Growing up in the racially tense South during segregation, Ward became quite passionate in the fight for civil rights during the 1960's. Throughout these difficult times in American history, Ward found that the best contribution she could make was to perform. Over three decades later, she is the winner of over 21 grammy's and Emmy's and has made personal relationships with some of histories greatest figures, including Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

         Ward's performance was an amazing expression of the emotions felt by many Black Americans over the centuries. While she mainly focused on the works of Langston Hughes, she also performed pieces by James Welden Johnson and a soliloquy of Harriet Tubman through her journey toward freedom.  Most impressive was the manner in which she delivered the material. Reciting in the melody of blues and slave hymns, she envoked emotions that would not have fully developed if not for the delivery. This woman is walking history and I urge anyone given the opprotunity to go see her perform. Well worth it.