Under the baobab: ‘Finding Home’ play reading among standout events in Centre County

In 1901 the Cameron County Press printed an announcement: “Henry W. Graham, of Emporium, will lead to the altar Miss Adeline Lawson in the near future, the ceremony to take place in St Paul’s A.M.E. Church, at Bellefonte, Pa., November 21st. Mr. Graham has resided in Emporium for many years and is a quiet industrious citizen, having the respect and confidence of our citizens...”

At the time Adeline was 45 years old. She had been a household servant in the home Andrew Curtin, who was Pennsylvania’s governor during the Civil War. Adeline was part of a thriving African American community in and around Bellefonte, which included several barbershops, a couple of churches and a sizable resident population.

These facts were uncovered by Penn State librarian and community engagement archivist Racine Amos, who co-founded the Black History in Centre County Project with professor and poet Julia Spicer Kasdorf. The committee is presenting an original play written by Carmin Wong based on the life of Adeline and her family titled “Finding Home: Adeline Lawson Graham, Colored Citizen of Bellefonte.” Prof. Anthony Leach and some members of Essence of Joy will perform music appropriate for the historical period. The work in progress will be read in State College on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Ave; and in Bellefonte on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 E. Howard St. Admission is free.

The 17th Annual Traditional Penn State Powwow will be held 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the C3 Sports Complex, 200 Ellis Place, State College. As in the past, the coordinator is Prof. John Sanchez assisted by his wife, Associate Dean Victoria Sanchez and their sons Braveheart and Dakota.

Other standout events in our community this past week included the Center for the Performing Arts’ presentation of “Our Planet, Live in Concert,” composed by Steven Price and narrated by David Attenborough and William Shatner. More than 2,000 patrons enjoyed the breathtaking film, which was accompanied by the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Emily Marshall. Susan and Lewis Steinberg, along with Lam and Lina Hood, were sponsors. The next night CPA followed it up with Campus Comedy Night featuring Preacher Lawson with opening sets by Kate Sisk and the all-female student comedy troupe, Derby. The event was created with the assistance of the Student Advisory Council, which included Klarissa Hillegass, Yoon Ah Hwang, Muggs Leone and Emma Neely. Over 500 people, mostly students, laughed themselves silly at the entertaining show.

The Paterno Family run was held Sunday at Beaver Stadium. This year the run, which supports PA Special Olympics, honored Penn State and Steelers hero Franco Harris, who passed last year. Franco was also honored as the first recipient of the Make An Impact Award along with Michael Robinson, Aaron Maybin and Bill Spoor. The taped television event organized and produced by Guido D’Elia and Jay Paterno first aired on Fox TV Saturday before the Blue-White game.

As part of Justice Education Week, the Restorative Justice Initiative under the direction of Prof. Efrain Marimon and Program Manager Liana Glew opened The Human Impact art exhibit at the HumpDay Gallery. The art exhibition team also included Divine Lipscomb, Jennifer Gau, Keisha Oliver, Rudy Shepherd, Irvin Moore and Amanda Brown. Carmin Wong performed spoken word poetry. The exhibit will remain open until April 21.

Finally, we grieve as parents when we must bury our children. Today we implore the ancestors to open their arms to welcome our community’s daughter, Bridget Amanda Esposito, daughter of Jackie and sister of Emily Esposito. While she dwelled among us, she was a bright and comforting light.

“Even if we’re apart I’ll always be with you.”- Ashay

This story was originally published April 17, 2023 at 5:00 AM.