Michael Brown News

MEMPHIS, TN - This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the grueling murder of Emmett Till, a 14-year old from Chicago who visited Mississippi in 1955. The National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) brings author Devery S. Anderson who will present exclusive findings in the Emmett Till case documented in his book, Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement, on Wednesday, August 26 at 6pm. After 20 years of disciplined research, Anderson's book release last week coincides with the anniversary of Till's murder and the parallels in recent cases of unprosecuted murders of African American males in the U.S.

The 50th season of Lincoln Center's Great Performers series and the sixth season of its White Light Festival commence on October 14 with tenor Mark Padmore and pianist Paul Lewis in the first of three highly-anticipated Schubert song recitals.

Dr. Leah Gunning Francis had no idea when she left her home located on the south side of the city of St. Louis, the morning of August 9, 2014, that within 24 hours her life would dramatically change by the occurrences about to take place across town in a nearby northern suburb known as Ferguson. In her new book, 'Ferguson & Faith: Sparking Leadership & Awakening Community' (Chalice Press, 2015), set to be released August 4, 2015, a few days shy of the first anniversary of the tragic shooting death of Michael Brown, Dr. Gunning Francis, a native of Willingboro (WHS '89), takes us behind the frontlines of the civil unrest, sharing stories from over twenty faith leaders and more than a dozen young activists, who joined together in the midst of chaos to form a powerful network of leaders in partnership for one common goal: justice. 'It is an honor to listen to these sacred stories of courage and hope, gleaning from them the seeds of possibilities that, if nurtured, could serve us well into the future,' Dr. Gunning Francis said. 'These are stories that were rarely imaged on television, yet they are integral to the fight for justice in Ferguson and resonate with the struggle for human dignity around the country. They remind us why #blacklivesmatter to God, and why they should matter to us all.' This compilation of interviews, with titles such as, Just Protest This by Prayer, Praying with Their Feet, and There is a Ferguson Near You, shows the immediate response of clergy of all cultures and backgrounds stepping out from behind the safety of their pulpits, and stepping up in support of the emerging young leaders seeking racial equality. As Dr. Gunning Francis points out in her Introduction, 'I do not suggest that young leaders emerged within this movement because of the clergy. Actually, I think the argument could be made that the young leaders ignited the leadership among the clergy...' Dr. Gunning Francis is Associate Dean for Contextual Education and Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. She is the wife of Rev. Rodney Francis, and the mother of two sons. She has been an active and visible presence in Ferguson since the shooting. Ferguson & Faith, is the first book published in a partnership between Chalice Press and the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE), of which Dr. Gunning Francis is a part. Media Note: Although the official book launch will take place on August 4 at Left Bank Books in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Gunning Francis is available for interviews. To schedule an interview please contact Marcel L Johnson of Silent Liaison PR at 609-353-3412, or email marcel@silentliaison.com.

Last week, I had the opportunity of speaking with Jarvis B. Manning Jr., a Texas native from the national tour of MOTOWN The Musical. In addition to speaking about returning to his hometown as a professional performer, Jarvis spoke about the unique experience of touring the country during the Michael Brown trials, and the emotion the cast has felt while performing in different cities.

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) and the Indiana Pacers will bring one of the all-time great underdog stories, Hoosiers, to the NBA hardwood, celebrating the film's 30th Anniversary.

The 2015-16 season at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts features a wide array of acclaimed dance companies and contemporary circus performances, showcasing and supporting diverse and eclectic talent from across the country around the world.

Pittsburgh CLO is proud to announce the cast of the CLO Cabaret premiere of Altar Boyz, September 24-December 20. This heavenly cast includes Pittsburgh CLO alumni Mike Greer as Luke and Mason Alexander Park as Mark, as well as exciting newcomers Michael Brown, Carter Ellis and Javier Manente. Tickets start at $34.75 and are available at as part of the 2015-2016 CLO Cabaret Series package. Please visit CLOCabaret.com or call 412-281-2822 for information on purchasing a Series subscription.

What happens when three Broadway titans come together for a one-night-only, pull-out-all-the-stops spectacle? We don't know either, but three soon-to-be sensations are ready to take the stage, giving you a taste of future stardom! See it happen this Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 9:30pm at the Laurie Beechman Theater (407 W. 42nd Street New York, NY 10036).

Theatre Nuvo and The T.R.U.T.H. Project Inc. have teamed up to present a thought provoking night of social justice theatre and a panel discussion. 

Written and co-directed by Broadway veteran Daniel J. Watts and Frack Theatre, 140 Characters is a new documentary play exploring one of the defining moments in this nation's recent history. The death of unarmed African American teen Michael Brown galvanized the public conversation around police violence towards black men, and to a greater extent, the oppression still encountered by people of color on a daily basis. The shooting and ensuing public outcry captured the attention of America and the world through social media. Using tweets from real life characters, 140 Characters moves this hashtag war out from behind the screen and brings it to life on stage.

MCCLEARY, Wash.

Written and co-directed by Broadway veteran Daniel J. Watts and Frack Theatre, 140 Characters is a new documentary play exploring one of the defining moments in this nation's recent history. The death of unarmed African American teen Michael Brown galvanized the public conversation around police violence towards black men, and to a greater extent, the oppression still encountered by people of color on a daily basis. The shooting and ensuing public outcry captured the attention of America and the world through social media. Using tweets from real life characters, 140 Characters moves this hashtag war out from behind the screen and brings it to life on stage.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is pleased to announce the nominees for its 13th annual 5th Avenue Awards: Honoring High School Musical Theater.

Devolver Digital Films and MidBoss are proud to announce the digital VOD release of the entertaining and informative feature documentary, Gaming In Color, which explores the queer side of gaming.

Goodspeed Musicals continues its commitment to innovative, original new works with the engaging musical The Theory of Relativity. Populating the world of The Theory of Relativity is a fresh-faced cast of talented and passionate actors who will bring an inspiring level of truth and energy to the musical. This dynamic musical from the writers of The Story of My Life will run from tonight, May 7, through May 31 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn.

Goodspeed Musicals continues its commitment to innovative, original new works with the engaging musical The Theory of Relativity. Populating the world of The Theory of Relativity is a fresh-faced cast of talented and passionate actors who will bring an inspiring level of truth and energy to the musical. This dynamic musical from the writers of The Story of My Life will run from tomorrow, May 7, through May 31 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn.

Janet Langhart Cohen, an Emmy-award nominated journalist and civil rights activist, will bring her timely play, 'Anne & Emmett,' to the MetroStage theater. Running today, May 7 through Saturday, May 9, the one-act play is an imaginary conversation between Anne Frank and Emmett Till, both victims of racial and religious intolerance and hatred. Acclaimed director Thomas W. Jones II ('The Islands' 'Bessie's Blues') will direct the piece, with the belief it will help add to the dialogue around these issues.