Imagine if Jackie Robinson, the all-star African-American baseball player, were still alive and able to share his first-hand account of how he pushed the color barrier in America. Would we see the courage in his gait? Hear the lilt of frustration in his voice?
Some Chatham County students will have the opportunity to experience what life might have been like for the record-setting player when acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley springs to life as Jackie Robinson at North Chatham Elementary School in his one-man production of Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart.
“As Chatham County citizens for over twenty years, David and I are thrilled to be contributing to Chatham Arts Council’s Pilot Year Artists-in-Schools Initiative,” Ebhardt said. “We hope that the work we do with students reaches beyond the classroom and creates connections between younger and older generations. It is not just about Arts-In-Education. It is about promoting integrity, self-discovery and the positive transformation of communities through our schools.”
This great new collaboration between Chatham Arts Council and Chatham County Schools is funded by two grants from the North Carolina Arts Council. The Chatham County Commissioners and Chatham Park have provided matching funds and made generous contributions for our Arts in Education initiative.
“Chatham County Schools are incredibly fortunate to have such a resource in Chatham Arts Council,” said Lori Carlin, Chatham County Schools Public Information Officer and Arts Coordinator. “Having a community partner organization that lists ‘educating kids through the arts’ as a guiding principle serves to enrich our students and community alike. The artist-in-residence opportunities will support and enhance instruction in a new and exciting way for the teachers and students involved.”
We’re so excited to announce these pilot projects, especially during National Arts in Education Week. Stay tuned for updates. Plan to attend a student performance soon!
I am delighted to know that Chatham County schools are once again including artist residencies and arts integration of the core curriculum for their students. I hope this program will reach every student in every school in the county!
Daryl, your incredible efforts in the past helped lay the foundation for this effort to happen now! Thank you!