10th Annual Black Nativity
/The Justice Theater Project and Carol Woods Retirement Community
Present
Black Nativity
The 10th Anniversary filmed Production
available on demand unitl january 30
The perfect holiday gift for friends and family across the world.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE on VIMEO
One time link allows you to view at any time (1 time view) until January 30, 2021.
Prices are by the Honor System for Individual viewing, Family Viewing, and Churches/Large Groups. ALL links are a ONE TIME USE LINK, from ONE device.
Large groups and churches: You will receive a one-time use link for one computer to present to 50 PEOPLE. (We ask for $1 per person, for each person in your group, if you present to over 50 people).
We suggest you set up a Zoom party for your congregation and enjoy the show together. This link is not reusable. The purpose of a group link is to enjoy the show together. Need to borrow our Zoom for your party? It can have up to 100 devices (or people) on the call. We’d love to help make your event a success.
One device link per purchase. One-time use.
Raleigh
“For unto us, a child is born...” Join us for our 10th Anniversary Celebration! Artistic leader Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) and Music Director Michael Williams combine soaring gospel music, modern and African dance, vibrant costumes, and beautifully poignant narrative to bring the Nativity story to life. Each year features new songs, soloists and surprises. The perfect family holiday experience.
Sponsored by Carol Woods Retirement Community.
The Justice Theater Project presents
The 10th Anniversary Production of
Black Nativity
Sponsored by Carol Woods Retirement Community
Written and Directed by
Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard)
Music Direction and Original Music Arrangements
Michael D. Williams
Choreography
Toya Judith Chinfloo and Kristi V. Johnson
Production Stage Management
Lisa Fakir
Costume Design
Pamela A. Bond
Scenic Design
Jeffrey Nugent
THE BLACK NATIVITY 2020 CAST
(in alphabetical order)
Edith C. Berry Ensemble
Angela Clemmons Soloist/ Ensemble
Toshia Cunningham-Swinson Salome/Soloist/Ensemble
Ronald Gerald Shepherd/Wiseman/Zachariah
Qualia Holder-Cozart Mary/Amadi/Soloist
Carrie Lockley Lee Soloist/Ensemble/Elder
Taufiki Lee Griot/Soloist
Alex Lewis Joseph
Caiden Rhyland Lyons Child Ensemble
Caimarye Risen Lyons Child Ensemble
Connie McCoy Leach Soloist/Elizabeth
Jalissa Moses Preacher/Ensemble
Denver Norwood Eri
Haven Powell Soloist/Ensemble
Leah Noel Rivers Child Ensemble
Alma Ross Soloist
Vanessa Snellings Ensemble
Zora Umeadi The Angel
Aaron T. Williams Shepherd/Wiseman
Spencer Yelverton Shepherd/Wiseman
THE BLACK NATIVITY 2020 DANCERS
Jackie Bennett
Asha Li Chinfloo
Daphne Lorraine Chinfloo
Toya J. Chinfloo
Jordan Farrell
Joy Gray (Child Dancer)
Kristi V. Johnson
Denver Norwood (Child Dancer)
Shani Roy
THE BLACK NATIVITY 2020 ORCHESTRA:
Charles “CC” Carrington, Jr. Bass
Paul Dargan Violin
Dorien Dotsen Percussion
Khalid Abdul N'Faly Saleem African Drums
Bradley Simmons African Drums
Collin Williams Saxophone
Technical Director
Juan Isler
Stage Lighting Design
Linwood Morris
Scenic/Lighting Crew
Cory Arnold
Juan Isler
Jeffrey Nugent
Jerry Sipp
Projections
Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard)
THE JUSTICE THEATER PROJECT STAFF
Executive Producer Melissa Zeph
Artistic Director Jerry Sipp
Financial Management Marguerite LeBlanc
Administration Melissa Reilly
Marketing Slee Arnold, Melissa Zeph
Administrative Associate Olivia Allen
SPECIAL THANKS
Tom Wolf and family for 10 years of filming and technical support
The Fountain of Raleigh Fellowship
Umstead Park United Church of Christ
Tina Morris-Anderson
Keith Daniels
Wendell Richardson
BLACK NATIVITY
is sponsored by
Carol Woods Retirement Community
Kymanox
Solidarity Capital
Aqua Terra Therapies
The Justice Theater Project is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission. The Justice Theater Project is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
Black Nativity Soloists
Taufiki Lee- Presence of the Lord, Anthem of Praise, Come Thou Almighty King
Toshia Cunningham- The Moment, Joy to the World, Perfect Praise
Qualia Holder-Cozart - Presence of the Lord, I Can Only Imagine
Alex Lewis- His Love is All I See
Zora Umeadi - Make Room, In the Presence of a King
Connie McCoy Leach- Rise Up Shepherd
Carrie Lockley Lee - What a Wonderful Child,
Alma Ross- GoTell It On The Mountain, Lily In the Valley
Toshia Cunningham, Qualia Holder-Cozart - What Child is This
Zora Umeadi, Alma Ross, Haven Powell, & Jalessa - Oh Holy Night
Connie McCoy Leach, Taufiki Lee, & Zora Umeadi- Mary Did You Know: Connie McCoy Leach main soloist
Qualia Holder-Cozart, Haven Powell- Lord You’re Mighty
Black Nativity 2020 Bios
Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) (Director) is an Associate Professor of Theatre at North Carolina Central University, where she serves as Chair. She has received a Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival directing award (2014 & 2016) and NCCU College of Liberal Arts Awards in Outstanding Teaching, Scholarship, and Playwriting. She has directed shows such as The Bluest Eye and for colored girls… & for black boys (her original compilation) which were selected features at the 2015 & the 2013 National Black Theatre Festivals; The Color Purple; Ruined; Sarafina; Slappin’ God in the Face (her original work); Fabulation; Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery; From the Mississippi Delta; Blues for an Alabama Sky; and The Amen Corner. She also authored God Spoke My Name: Maya Angelou; Reaching for God with Dirty Hands and Tainted Blood and Distorted Beauty. On the international stage, Asabi co-directed Soul Rhythm; Sistah’s Voices at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa; directed The Mis-Education of Hip Hop in Florence, Italy and was the production manager for Ain’t Misbehavin’ for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Among many stage credits, she has performed in Four Queens No Trumps (a 2011 National Black Theatre Festival production), Steal Away, Intimate Apparel, Proposals, for colored girls..., and Having Our Say. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and Wake Forest University, Asabi earned her doctorate at Regent University in Communication and Theatre. She has also taught at Norfolk State University and Bennett College, where she received The Board of Trustee’s Excellence in Teaching Award and The National Association of Bennett College Alumnae Faculty Service Award. She is a contracted production manager with the NC Black Repertory Company. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Jackie Bennett (Dancer) is a native of Durham, NC. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from UNC. She has performed with local dance companies such as Raina Lucas and Company and KT Collective. Jackie is currently a part of the dance and mime ministries at Monument of Faith.
Edith C. Berry (Ensemble) is a native of Brooklyn, NY, and resides in Raleigh, NC. She is Founder & amp; Producer of The Show Must Go On, and Social Media Strategist of TCP Magazine. She also formed The Cultural Arts Ministry at Poplar Springs Christian Church which comprises drama, dance, and mime. She performed with the King Tut Dance Co. on NBC, and in several local productions such as Amazing Grace, Can I Get a Witness, The Amen Corner, Escape to Freedom, Ragtime, and Oliver. She is ecstatic to be in Black Nativity again!
Pamela A. Bond (Costume Designer) resides in Durham and is a multi-talented actress, designer, and owner of Pamela Bond Designs. She received a B.A. in Theatre, a B.S. in Textiles & Apparel, and an M.A. in Textiles & Apparel from North Carolina Central University. Her theatrical credits include lighting and scenery design for Home and Raisin in the Sun, and she is a recipient of the Irene Ryan Award, for which she won best actress in the Southeastern Region for her debut performance in Fascination Man. Other performances include Images debuting at the National Black Theatre Festival, Fourth & A Mile, Stealing Clouds, Tunnels, Howard Craft’s The Wise Ones, and Heart To Heart (all NCCU productions). Her costume design credits include the educational video Crafting Freedom with The Apprend Foundation, Jackie O with Long Leaf Opera, and Bangin performed with Walltown Children’s Theatre. Mrs. Bond is a member of Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Charles “CC” Carrington, Jr. (Bassist) is a bass player, Producer, and Arranger. He has over 25 years experience in the music industry. Charles is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with several well renowned Recording Artists, such as Deitrick Haddon and Shirley Caesar. He is just a humble family man that loves what I do-music!
Asha Chinfloo (Dancer) is a dancer, choreographer, performer, and scholarship recipient. She has participated in the production of Black Nativity in Durham for many years. This is her second year as a part of the Justice Theater Projects Black Nativity. Asha has studied under Baba Chuck Davis, Toni K. Hall, Cynthia Penn-Halal, Stephanie Leathers, Kristen Taylor Duncan, and Toya Chinfloo. She has also performed with KT Collective, Collage Dance Company, Walltown Children's Theatre's Dance Company, African American Dance Ensemble, F.L.I.G.H.T Dance Company, Carrington Middle School’s Dance Company, American Dance Festival, Andrea Woods, Motiv8 Inc. and is currently studying to receive her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. Asha has been a three-time leadership scholarship recipient from the American Dance Festival and has attended the American Dance Festival’s Pre Professional Summer Dance Intensive for many years. She has performed at the DPAC as a dancer and singer in An Evening of Entertainment, at the Carolina Theater, and at the PNC Arena in the 2018 Women’s Empowerment. Her choreography has been showcased in Wimmin at Work and has been awarded a 2nd place rating at the North Carolina Scholastics Dance Competition. Asha would like to thank the Justice Theater Project for allowing her the opportunity to be a part of such a great production and would like to thank God for making this all possible.
Daphne Chinfloo (Youth Dancer) is a professional dancer from Durham NC. Daphne-Lorraine's dance background consists of modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and African dance. This markers her second year of dancing in Black Nativity. Daphne-Lorraine started dancing in the 3rd grade at RN. Harris Elementary school with FLIGHT dance company. After dancing with FLIGHT, she was in Collage dance company, an African dance company that she remained in for three years after the 3rd grade. Daphne-Lorraine also has studio backgrounds from Walltown Children’s Theater dance company. Dancing with them from the 4th to the 6th grade. She also attended Durham School of the Arts from 6th - 9th grade where she worked hard to eventually make it into their Collective Dance company and being one of two freshmen accepted. Daphne-Lorraine currently is attending Hillside High School where she is continuing to dance in Hillside’s Dance Company.
Toya Judith Chinfloo (Co-Choreographer) holds a master’s in Education Arts Integration from Lesley University and studied at Montclair State University receiving her BFA in Dance Performance. Ms. Chinfloo is a Dance educator, with expertise in Horton-based modern, jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballet, various African techniques, and currently a candidate for Dunham certification. She has studied and trained professionally with many dance masters such as Talley Beatty, Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Milton Myers, Alfred Gallman, Lucille Hill, Dr. Doris Walker Bennett, Mabel Robinson, Alwin Nikolais, Arthur Mitchell, Ronald K. Brown, Abdel Salem, Tommy Gomez, Ronnie Marshall, Lucille Ellis, Vanoye Aikens, and Titos Sompas. Ms. Chinfloo has performed internationally and nationally with AADE, under the artistic direction of Dr.Chuck Davis. Toya’s choreographic works have been showcased by Collage Dance Company, Durham Arts Council, Hayti Heritage Center, True Dreams Theatre Company, Walltown Children’s Theatre, and various schools across the Durham school district. Ms.Chinfloo now holds the position as the Lead Dance Teacher for the DPS district. Additionally, she has been an integral proponent of a method of better-educating Durham’s youth through being an A+ Fellow and featured in their 2015 video footage. She is also the founder and artist director of F.L.I.G.H.T Dance Troupe and is on faculty at R.N Harris Elementary School and at the American Dance Festival. As an arts activist, Toya has started Mother’s 2000 which aided in allowing women to be able to pursue their dreams while being a mother and her most recent initiative, Ruffles Building Bridges, has made costumes accessible to all students while encouraging the unity of different ethnic groups, in the creation of beautiful costumes for the school’s production. Toya would like to thank God for this opportunity and would like to thank her family for their continuous love and support. Toya is honored to carry on Baba Chuck’s legacy in the Justice Theatre Projects production of Black Nativity.
Angela Clemmons (Soloist/ Ensemble) is a native of Knoxville Tennessee who began singing at the tender age of 12 Years old. Once she experienced the soul-stirring feeling of music in her heart, there was no turning back. Over the years, Angela has developed a love for the arts. Her passion for acting and singing has allowed her to perform in works such as the play Use What You Got directed by Octavia Harper, Be Careful What you Pray For, directed by Saprina Willis, and she has been seen in the television show Christie alongside Levar Burton and Tyne Dailey. This is the second year of performing in the Black Nativity. Angela Clemmons is dedicated to God and Country which was exhibited in her service in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. She resides in Raleigh, NC with her husband and sweet dog, Shadow.
Toshia Cunningham-Swinson (Salome/Soloist/Ensemble) is thrilled to join the talented cast of Black Nativity 2020 (Justice Theater Project). She’s captivated audiences with her vocal performances in regional productions Big River and Ragtime (PlayMakers Repertory Company). Toshia is honored to have performed and recorded with several national recording artists, including North Carolina’s Tony Award-winning Red Clay Ramblers. She’s a Registered Nurse by profession, a dedicated wife, and a proud mother of two children. Toshia can be reached on Facebook (@UrSurvice) and Instagram (@toshia.swinson).
Paul Dargan (Violinist) is a North Carolina native and honored to be a part of Black Nativity once again. With a BA in performance theatre at NCCU, he has performed in Dreamgirls under the musical leadership of Michael Williams. Paul has also previously performed in the orchestra program, Duke University String School.
Dorien Dotsen (Drummer)
Lisa Fakir (Stage Manager) is a native of Durham, NC. She attended North Carolina Central University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in General Theatre with a minor in Dance. She was last seen in NCCU's original play, A Need Fulfilled produced by Dr. Arthur Reese. Fakir has also acted in NCCU’s play adaptation of the movie Sister Act. Expanding her theatre interests, she served as the stage manager for NCCU’s production of Best of Enemies, Speak My Soul, and Write Now We Will Heal, a collaborative ethnodrama between NCCU and Duke. She is a McNair Scholar and member of the national honor society, Alpha Kappa Mu. Lisa was a recipient of the prestigious 2019-20 Chancellor’s Award and the departments 2019 and 2020 Awards of Excellence in Academics and Dramaturgy. She was also a nominee for Dramaturgy in 2019 and 2020 at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Regional IV.
Jordan Farrell (Dancer) is a Raleigh native and is excited to be dancing in Black Nativity for her third year. She has a B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology from East Carolina University and is a fitness/dance professional in the RDU area. She is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and currently working on her Nutrition Fitness Specialist Certification. Jordan grew up dancing and has choreographed/performed in a number of shows in NC. She believes the best way to live is to move your body. She would like to thank her parents, family, and friends for continuously supporting and believing in her dreams.
Ronald Gerald (Shepherd/Wiseman/Zachariah) a Special Education teacher, singer, and musician, is a native of Raleigh North Carolina. He currently serves in ministry as the Director of Music and Liturgical Arts at Peak City Full Gospel Baptist Church, Holly Springs, NC. In his spare time, he does background vocals for local Gospel recording artists such as Min. Maurice Lauchner, Clarice Gerald, Kim Person & CoCo McMillan. Some of his accomplishments include studying voice under the world-renowned bassist, Dr. James Longmire, performed in the musical Showboat, sung for President Bush at the White House and the president of Mexico while on tour with the International Boys Choir.
Joy Gray (Child Dancer) is a native of Durham, NC. She attends Durham School of the Arts and enjoys lyrical, African, and contemporary dance. This is her second year performing in Black Nativity. Joy spends her spare time performing as a dancer in stage plays, recitals, and music videos. Joy also attends the Justice Theater Project camp at the Emily K Center.
Qualia Holder-Cozart (Mary/Soloist) a native of Durham, NC, is so excited to be back with JTP for the 10th Anniversary of Black Nativity! Qualia’s last three productions with JTP have been The Taming, Caroline, Or Change, and the 2018 production of Black Nativity. She also was last seen in 2019 as Girl in Theater Raleigh's Where Words Once Were and as Deloris V. Cartier in The Sister Act with NCCU Theater. Along with her young but thriving acting career, she has recently been on the production team as a temp Director for Cista Lueeeze's Brunch House Theater production of The Life of A Funeral. She also currently serves in the NC Army National Guard. Hooah!
Dr. Kristi Vincent Johnson (Co-Choreographer) a Louisiana native, is a performer, choreographer, educator, and community builder. She has had the opportunity to work with Justice Theater Project in numerous capacities including Choreographer of The Color Purple, Ragtime, and Assistant Choreographer to “Baba” Chuck Davis for Black Nativity. Kristi has an M.F.A. in Dance from Texas Christian University and an Ed.D. in Kinesiology from UNC Greensboro. Presently, Kristi Vincent Johnson is the Director of the Dance Program at North Carolina Central University.
Carrie Lockley Lee (Soloist) was born in Holly Springs, NC, where she now resides. She is married to Charles Lee and has one daughter and 3 stepchildren and 7 grandchildren. She is the sixth of ten siblings and is blessed to still have her 97-year-old mother, Mrs. Carrie L. Lockley still with her. Carrie retired from WCPSS in 2015 but returned back part-time as a substitute teacher in 2018. She is a member of Peak City FGB Church, Holly Springs, NC, where she sings on the Praise Team and Gospel Choir, Trustee, and Missionary. Carrie enjoys singing, traveling, and graphic designs. Being part of this production was a dream come true, NEVER STOP DREAMING. This is her third year performing in Black Nativity. Carrie is a member of Holly Springs MLK, Jr. Committee and The Democratic Women of Wake County.
Taufiki Lee (Griot/Solist) always giving glory and thanks to God, Taufiki has worked with various local theater companies to include JTP. His most recent accomplishment was a debut with NCCU theater department’s production of Dream Girls where he played as the MC. He especially thanks Michele, his wife of 24 years who is affectionately referred to as his number one priority.
Alex Lewis (Joseph) is thrilled to be back on stage. He was most recently seen in a Covid-19 PSA for Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, Fairytale the web series as a Ball Dancer with Solace Theatre. He has worked with RLT, WTF, JTP, Cary players, Sonorous Road Theatre. He wants to especially thank his close friends, family, agents, Dr. Asabi, cast, crew, and especially you for supporting artists like him. You can check more of him at alexlightup.com.
Caiden Rhyland Lyons (Wise Royal) is a 1st Grader at IDYL Charter School and a member of the best church in Durham, Victory at Calvary Covenant Ministries (VACCM). He had his first debut role as an Angel in The Story of the Empty Tomb; A VACCM Dramatic Art Interpretation of the Seven Last Sayings, The Star a VACCM production, Alter boy in the Stage Play Sister Act, NCCU theater production, and he has recently been an extra in the upcoming film Running Back, Dream production. Caiden loves reading, singing, dancing, and playing with his church friends/schoolmates and his twin brother. He loves the church and God. Look out for Lyons Twins in a show, movie, or production near you.
Caimarye Risen Lyons (Wise Royal) is a 1st grader at IDYL Charter School and a member of Victory at Calvary Covenant Ministries (VACCM). He had his first debut role as an Angel in The Story of the Empty Tomb; A VACCM Dramatic Art Interpretation of the Seven Last Sayings, The Star a VACCM production, Alter boy in the Stage Play Sister Act, NCCU theater production, and he has recently been an extra in the upcoming film Running Back, Dream production. Caimarye loves singing, dancing, weaving, and creating great, captivating stories for his YouTube Channel he shares with his twin brother. Caimarye enjoys playing with his twin brother. He loves church and God. Look out for Lyons Twins in a show, movie, or production near you.
Connie McCoy Leach (Soloist) is honored to return to the stage for the 10th year Anniversary with JTP. She has been seen in JTP productions, such as. Black Nativity, A Lesson Before Dying, The Color Purple, A Raisin in the Sun, Ragtime and Porgy and Bess. She also played the role of Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (NRACT). She is eternally grateful to JTP for allowing her the opportunity to showcase her God-given talents. A heartfelt thank you is extended to family and friends for continued love and support. You can also catch Connie on stage with her band, Mo’ Jazz. www.mojazzmusic.com
Jalissa Moses (Ensemble) a Durham, NC native got her start in Mt. Calvary Youth Choir. Then onto HSA choir under the direction of Lasaundra Lindsey. Later on, Jalissa joined the Southern High Drama Department where she made an impact in her performances. Since then she has transitioned into a new venture of professional battle rapping since late 2013, in which she traveled all over. As of 2019, Jalissa is back to her first love singing/acting.
Denver Norwood (Child Dancer) is a 9-year-old dancer from Raleigh, NC. Denver has been training in various forms of dance since the age of two and describes dance as her passion. This is Denver’s third year performing in JTP’s Black Nativity. Follow Denver’s performance career on Instagram @DenvertheDancingDiva.
Haven Powell (Soloist/Ensemble) is a graduate from Winston Salem State University with two bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Economics. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and the Junior League of Raleigh, NC. In addition, she attends Life House Church in Raleigh, NC where she is a member of the Penuma Praise Team. Haven enjoys singing, acting, and ministering to young women. This is her third year participating in the Black Nativity play.
Leah Noel Rivers (Child Ensemble) is showcasing her acting debut, at 7-year-old Leah Noel Rivers is an actress in the making. Learning from her father Chase Rivers, she truly gets it honest! Always wanting to take a shot at acting, she decided to take the leap this year with Black Nativity. Leah has experience in Dance, taking Ballet, Jazz, and Hip hop through the years. She is excited to learn something new and experience the acting world!
Alma Ross (Soloist) AKA GLAM-MA is happily married to Curtis Aubrey Ross Jr, for 44 years. She is the mother of three and grandma of ten. Alma is born again and loves to sing. She participated in the last 3 years of Black Nativity. Alma loves babies, travel, puppies, sports, people, life, food & Bingo. Mostly, Alma loves JESUS. Pastor, Bishop M. S. Nesbitt, Deliverance Cathedral Of Love Church.
Shani Roy (Dancer) is a senior at North Carolina Central University. Born and raised in Washington D.C. She began her performance career as a poet and was invited to the Louder Than A Bomb Poetry Competition in 2017. She has been modeling since 2015 in high school and began her acting career her freshman year of college. Shani has played Liz in The Unwanted. And had multiple ensemble roles in Sister Act the musical. She was nominated as an Irene Ryan performer for her performance as Raylynn in Blood At The Root in 2018. This show was also nominated for The National Black Theatre Festival 2019 in Winston Salem. Shani is currently the Student President of the National Association of Dramatic Speech Arts (N.A.D.S.A 2019-2021 in Baltimore). She has also played ensemble in Best of Enemies, and Dream Girls the Musical. Shani aspires to act, direct, sing, dance, rap, perform poetry, and overall bring her light to the entertainment world.
Khalid Abdul N'Faly Saleem (African Drummer) is an internationally renowned African music specialist. He joined the faculty of Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance in fall 2019, where he serves as an instructor of African Drumming for Dance, and as Music Director of Diyé African Dance and Drum Ensemble with Sherone Price, Dance Director.
Previously, Khalid served as musical director of Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble at the State University of New York College at Brockport. He continues on the faculty of the American Dance Festival where he also performs and is a dance musician for both African and modern dance classes each summer. He has traveled internationally to the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America with the well-known Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble (where he was the founding music director), as well as with The Egwen Dancers, The Big Drum Dance Company of Granada, and Les Guidivoir (Côte D'ivoire). Khalid was a featured performer in the Dance Black America concert film shown nationally on PBS, and on multiple commercial recordings of African music. He has had the honor to compose, arrange, direct, play for, or perform for presidents, bishops, ambassadors, and great choreographers such as Donald McKale, Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Tally Beaty, Molissa Fenley, Betty Jones, Lavina Williams, Cleo Parker Robinson, members of the Limon Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company, Papa Ladji Camara, Baba Djimo Kouyate, and Chief Bey to name a few. Khalid's latest international cultural exchange travels have taken him to South Korea with the Korea American Dance Festival (KADF) program and to Brazil to work with Mestre Ramos, Mestre Toni Vargas, and Mestre Peixinho of the popular Senzala Capoiera School located in Rio De Janeiro. As part of a cultural exchange with Cuba, Khalid taught West African rhythms and studied Afro-Cuban folklore in Santiago. In 2004, Khalid accepted an invitation to perform with the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble at their 21st-anniversary gala performance and to be a part of a film documentary on the life of Dr. Chuck Davis.
Bradley Simmons (African Drummer) a native of New York City, began playing Afro-Cuban and African percussion at 9. As a youth, he sought percussion teachers from Haiti, Cuba, and Africa, and became a sought after Conguero and shekere player at Bembes, weddings, and cultural events. Bradley fostered the transfer of knowledge through the Afro-Cuban and African oral traditions. He sought out Afro-Cuban and African percussion in its true form; never deviating from the traditional ways the rhythms and instruments are presented and played. This basic tenant flows through his work today. Broadway: Timbuktu with Eartha Kitt and Melba Moore; Billy Wilson's version of Guys and Dolls starring Robert Guillaume; and Reggae with Calvin Lockhart and Philip Michael Thomas. Off-Broadway: Night Club Confidential; Ven-nette Carroll's Never Jam Today and the Ups and Downs of Theophilous Maitland. He performed with Eartha Kitt, Gregory and Maurice Hines, Miles Jaye, and Oba Babatunde, recorded and played with The Fatback Band, and with drummer Norman Connors. Television: The Mike Douglas Show, Cerebral Palsy Telethon. In 1990 and 1996, directed at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta and in Durham, NC, respectively, called Cultural Journey: The Elements of Percussion. Other Credits: Former Music Director of the Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble of Durham, NC; Larocque Bey School of Dance; Gloria Jackson School of Dance in NYC; The Berkeley School of Music, Boston MA; Texas Southern, Houston, TX; Wichita State University, Wichita, KS and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Currently, Musical Director at Duke University teaching West African Music and History, focusing on djembe, songba, djun-djun, and kenkeni. Teaches Afro-Cuban percussion classes, leads Elements of Percussion
Vanessa Snellings (Ensemble) is a native of Clinton NC. She is the proud mother of four daughters, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She is an RN at UNC/REX Pain Center. Vanessa enjoys singing in the choir at Poplar Springs Christian Church. She also joined the TCP community choir in 2019 under the leadership of Peggy Tatum. Vanessa has a strong interest in music and drama, and this is her third performance in Black Nativity.
Zora Umeadi (The Angel) is from Enugu, Nigeria. She is a Senior at NCCU, majoring in Theatre Performance and Music-Voice. Zora debuted in her First National Tour role as Maddie, in STEM: The Musical in 2018. She played a Clown in Nightmare In Carolina Haunted Trail Produced by Dababy. Zora’s other stage experience includes the productions Best of Enemies (Ann Atwater), Sister Act (Mother Superior), Eclipsed (Helena), and Ain't Misbehavin' (Aremila McQueen).
Aaron T. Williams is a 12-year-old, 7th grade, Raleigh native. He attends Centennial Magnet Middle School, and he is a member of the Math, Science and Engineering Network's Engineering Club and National Society of Black Engineers Jr. This is Aaron’s third play with the Justice Theater Project. He played the role of Dipper in the June 2018 production of Oliver and the Angel in the November 2018 production of Black Nativity.
Collin Williams (Saxophonist) is an accomplished saxophonist hailing from Durham North Carolina by way of Charlotte, NC. A recent two-time graduate of North Carolina Central’s (NCCU) Jazz department, Collin studied saxophone under the instruction of renowned saxophonists and educators Dr. Ira Wiggins and Dr. Brian Horton. In his 18 years of playing the saxophone, Collin’s career has led him to play a range of musical situations including military bands, jazz/big bands, wedding bands, church/gospel bands, and even DJing. His connection to NCCU has also landed him performances with many other renowned artists and groups native to NC, like trumpeter Al Strong, Soul Understated ft Mavis Swan Poole, Marcus Anderson, and more. Recently Collin has decided to step out as a solo artist with a fresh new take on smooth jazz. His debut project entitled Sax Talk is an exciting blend of hip-hop, Soul, R&B, Funk, Jazz, and Gospel. It features the lead voice of a saxophone, supported by gospel-like saxophone background voices, over punchy 808 drum loops, and sometimes live instrumentation. While Collin’s ambitions most of his career have been musical, he has always had a talent for the visual arts. Since his childhood, Collin has been drawing and creating. His artistic skills were sharpened at his high school, Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, NC, where he studied both music and drawing. Once in college, Collin taught himself the art of acrylic painting in his spare time. With his knowledge of drawing and his newfound love for acrylics, Collin has managed to create his debut collection of Contemporary style portraits depicting great legendary jazz musicians and vocalists who have had a great impact on music. After his debut album release/art show in December 2019, Collin has been hard at work creating more music and art for 2020.
Michael Williams (Music Director) says it is a pleasure to work with the Justice Theater Project on another wonderful production.
Spencer Yelverton (Shepherd/Wiseman) is 11 years old. He attends Durham Nativity School and is a student in 6th grade. Spencer’s hobbies are stop motion animation and drawing. He was an actor previously in African Fish Tale, A Christmas Carol, and Beauty and the Beast.
