Don’t recognize what the headline is referring to? Some enlightenment: ‘What if We Became History’ is a play written by local author, Jamila Harris, and is set to premier next month at area churches.
Jamila Harris is a published author of two books, many articles, online devotionals, producer and freelance writer. She is youth leader over the children’s ministry at White’s Chapel UMC under the Rev. Julius Kidd, in Conyers. Harris is the president of Texas Black Americans for Life, Georgia division, Founder of Healing of a Broken Heart Ministry and a member of East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers & ACW. She holds a Master’s in education from Troy University, a Bachelor’s in journalism from University of Central Oklahoma and an associate’s degree in journalism from Rose State College.
Covington is very fortunate to have an abundance of gifted and imaginative local writers who can produce works that stir our hearts and souls and perhaps give us something to ponder. Often times, that occurs when a child asks a simple question and we are momentarily at a loss for answers. ‘History’ is Harris’ second production, and much of the main character was inspired by her oldest daughter.
‘What If We Became History’ is told from the perspective of a young girl’s imagination and inquisitiveness. Nine-year-old Journey, a character in the play, questions her existence and wonders what might have happened if God never created black people? The answers come in various unexpected ways as she discovers the origin of everyday things she takes for granted. She is visited by inventors Sara Boone and Jan E. Matzeliger, posing as neighbors, who enlighten Journey and put her in touch with her race on a deeper level. Journey discovers inventions by Jan E. Matzeliger, Sara Boone, Lloyd P. Ray and Thomas Stewart. Many people may think nothing of these simple everyday inventions but they play a vital role in simplifying our lives. This quest leads Journey to find that what she needs was all created by the minds of black people.
Rehearsals are being conducted each Wednesday for approximately 21 roles, and children are also needed to comprise a choir. Harris encourages anyone who may be interested to contact her no later than Jan. 16 at (678) 571-9335 or hbheart@gmail.com.
The show will premiere on Sunday, Feb. 21, at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church
In addition to her involvement with the production, Harris spends much of her time encouraging homeless women and mothers to embrace motherhood as well as inspiring others to pursue their God given gift. She administers a writing summer camp for youth and volunteers time in the community to help other children read and enjoy writing. She has been published in newspapers, as well as Focus Atlanta, CW Atlanta TV and WRTS-FM (Worship and Real Talk Show-For Men).
Mrs. Harris was the fourth of six children born to parents who inspired her to write. Growing up, Harris relates writing several pieces that were forms of family entertainment. She loved being in pageants in high school and was encouraged to recite poetry after auditioning for a role in a school play. After high school, she went on to study journalism at University of Central Oklahoma, while working as investigative reporter and associate producer for a local television station. Shortly after meeting her husband, the family re-located from Oklahoma City to Georgia but Harris could not let her dream of writing sit idle. Harris balances raising four children while actively writing and sharing it with others. Harris is now sharing the spotlight with 9-year-old daughter Haniyah after learning her school essay was selected for literary recognition. Both mother and daughter will be guest speakers at Newton County Library on Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
