Black Girls Shine

• In Event: Artist Salons as Sites of Unforgetting: Reimagining Liberatory-Education through Plays, Film, Poetry, Novella, and Collage

Abstract

As a graduate playwright fellow at my university, I authored the short play, Black Girls Shine. This piece envisioned a dissertation process disrupting the protocol to “defend” one’s work. In one pivotal scene, the protagonist, Naima, requires that her dissertation committee physically center the knowing and feedback of her Black girl research partners. My AERA demonstration will enact artistic and communal elements of my play. Additionally, it will affirm playwriting as a tool for endarkened feminist epistemological (Dillard, 2000) wellness and deliberate gratitude.

Play Excerpt:

Naima (nods at dissertation chair, Dr. Jones, while approaching the front of the room): Thank you, Dr. Jones. Today, I’m inviting everyone here to reflect with me on my dissertation project, entitled “Metaphors of Power: Black Girls Been Knowing.” Before I continue, though, let me make a few disclaimers. Whenever you hear me say “I” and “my” today, please listen to those words loosely. I couldn’t have done any of this project without my research partner, the community-based organization, “Black Girl, Shine.”
(everyone claps)

Monica: That’s on PERIOD!! Go, Naima.

Naima: Committee members, with all due respect, can you please stand up and move to another table?
(The committee members bashfully rise, uncertain about the interruption to protocol.)

Naima: Thank you! Can my youth partners from “Black Girl, Shine,” sit please reseat yourselves at the front table and let us know who you are?
(Passing through everyone as if walking down an aisle, the “Black Girl, Shine” Collective takes time to reseat themselves, one by one. The spotlight, purple or something bright and illuminating) is on them. As they move toward their seats, some are bashful but all are brave and willing. Music plays, not loud enough to overpower their voices—the song, “Black Girl Magik” (chorus) by Sampa the Great, Nicole Gumbe. As they reach the front, the music fades. Before finally sitting, they face everyone and introduce themselves, with their heads held high. Everyone in the audience smiles.)

Sadia: I’m Sadia, 18 years old, Black girl

Monica: I’m Monica, 15 years old, Black girl

Shaunie: Call me Shaunie, I’m 14 years old, Black girl

Antoinette: And my name is Antoinette, 17 years old, Black girl

Naima: Thanks, y’all. I generated this research for and with you. I want you to be up close and center as I celebrate the knowledge that wouldn’t be possible without you! Let’s clap it up for them!
(audience claps)

Naima: To my committee, your support has been everything. Please know that where you sit doesn’t diminish my honor of your wisdom and love. Thanks for flowing with me today.

Dr. Jones: You know we wouldn’t expect anything less than a remix from you. (Everyone laughs.) Alright, we’re all ears.

Author

• Jessica Reed, Michigan State University