By Walter Rutledge
Journalist and author Cheryl Wills joins the cast as both actor and playwright for the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Company in tonight’s production of Remembering at the BAM Fisher Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, in downtown Brooklyn. Wills shared the story of her great, great, great grandfather Private Sandy Wills with young audiences on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday evening’s performance playwright Wills will be performed by Thera Ward.
A runaway slave who joined the historic fight for freedom as a soldier in President Lincoln’s Union Army during the Civil War. Wills has chronicled her ancestor’s legacy in two publications Die Free: A Heroic Family Tale and a children’s book The Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills. The story of this unsung American hero of color who legacy had been forgotten now sings from the celestial rafters.
A nationally recognized award-winning television personality for Spectrum News’ flagship national news network, New York 1 News, headquartered in New York City. The New York City native is no stranger to theater. She has appeared on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit and major motion pictures such as Ghostbusters, Freedomland, starring Samuel Jackson, and The Brave One, with Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard. Through Wills impassioned oration Private Wills voice rings clear with dignity, pride and the hope for the future of his people.
Cheryl Wills – Remembering
Persistence, painstaking research and the power of family guided Wills on her journey to bring Private Sandy Wills home. Accompanied by photography and video Wills shares her story through the oral tradition of her ancestors. Another example of unity through community.
