The inspiration for this play came during my second year of teaching at my alma mater North Forest High School.  As the theatre teacher, I had the opportunity to see students get creative and help them think outside of the box.  I came there with the intention to teach them, but I learned so much instead. When they would perform scenes, they would share their stories, dreams and hopes with such vigor and zeal.  They were bold!  They inspired me to write this play.  My students taught me the power of speaking up for yourself, the power of self-confidence and being present.  

Personally, this play speaks to the beauty and complexity of Black American, Afrolaitnx and Latinx students and the terrible injustices that our communities face.  Because the time we are living in this story is very timely, but it's sad because I wrote this in 2016, and violence against Black bodies is still happening.  Black people are still being killed disproportionately by the police.  

I wanted this play to showcase the beauty, creativity and joy of Black, Latinx and Afrolatinx students while touching on the effects of police brutality.   I wanted it to be about the life they lived and how he affected those around him.  I hope this piece uplifts, but also speaks honestly to the experience of so many Black people in this world.

This play has had quite the journey.  From a reading with Scriptworks (who contributed a development grant for the piece) to the Black and Latino Playwrights Celebration at Texas State University, this work has and continues to be explored and developed.  I can't say enough about working with Ruben, Sean, Rachel, Preston, Ja'Michael, Ali, Nickclette, Yeniffer, Johnique and Joe.  I am grateful for their thoughtful feedback and commitment to bringing this to life. 

Jelisa Jay Robinson