Human struggles for freedom and equality revealed in short stories
ALBION, Mich.- What began as a small concept of teaching history on stage has led to the publication of a collection of short stories, The Journey Begins by Dr. Von H. Washington. Celebrating the oral traditions of ancient West African storytellers, these dramatic productions have been performed hundreds of times in the United States and abroad. Author Von H. Washington heard stories about life from his perspective when he was a school-aged child. He learned about European history, but not about African or African American history. Now director of Western Michigan University's Multicultural Theatre Program and Artistic Director of Washington Productions, his new book, The Journey Begins (published by iUniverse) contains two of his most celebrated and treasured stories, Seven Stops to Freedom, and The Legend of Sojourner Truth, along with The River to Cross. Seven Stops to Freedom was commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to shed light on Michigan's involvement with the Underground Railroad, and The Legend of Sojourner Truth was created to highlight Sojourner's life in Battle Creek, Mich., as her statue was being unveiled. The River to Cross chronicles the William Bright Conner family's escape from Slavery in North Carolina in 1849, and their subsequent decision to settle in Covert, Mich. About the Author The Journey Begins Available from: www.iUniverse.com , www.bn.com , and www.amazon.comThe Journey Begins
Von H. Washington, Ph.D., has directed, performed in, and supervised more than 300 theatrical productions. Working professionally in three performing arts areas, he is a member of SAG, AFTRA, and the AEA. He has directed theatrical productions and programs for Wayne State University, University of Michigan, University of Missouri, Kalamazoo College, Lake Michigan College and Western Michigan University. In addition, he is the Artistic Director of Washington Productions Inc., a theater company founded by him and his wife Fran. He has performed as director and theatrical consultant at various theaters across the country. Von has written more than 25 plays, many winning international acclaim. This is his first book, and a second is in final editing.
