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Breaking the Barriers: Performances Shake Wasp Hangar Bay

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040315-04

Release Date: 3/15/2004 12:02:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Derrick M. Ingle', USS Wasp Public Affairs

ABOARD USS WASP (NNS) -- Twenty-five talented crew members entertained and educated their fellow shipmates about their past during a recent African American Heritage show Feb. 29 aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1).

The event was held in recognition of Black History Month and was themed "breaking the barriers" in honor of the 50th year anniversary of the 1954 court case that abolished school segregation, Brown v. the Board of Education. With songs of praise, rhythmic dancing and moving words of unity, performers showed the audience how learning from the past can set the blueprints for a more unified tomorrow.

"The show was simply about all of us coming together," explained performer Yeoman 1st Class Carol Cuffee, from Savannah, Ga. "We used entertainment as a means to teach everyone about our culture and to show them that we can no longer be separated by our differences. We need to learn to bring all of our differences together and form as one. Whether it was through the poetry or music, we hoped everyone walked away with that message."

In just one hour, dancers, singers, musicians and poets put together nine skits highlighting the heritage and contributions of African Americans. The show opened with one of the world's most influential ancient African dances, entitled "Till the Land."

"Our dance goes back to how our ancestors would till the land to grow crops back in Africa," said Ship Serviceman's Seaman Anthony Nikade, a native of Nigeria. "They would use music to ease the workload. We also performed the dance because 'Till the Land' was a major influence over dances and music of today: hip-hop, gospel, blues, jazz and merengue.

"During the performance we wore custom dashikis to give African Americans a sense of where they truly come from," added Nikade. "We wanted to let African Americans know that know matter where you're from, you should be proud of your heritage."

The dance portion of the show also covered the history of the Dominican Republic's merengue, gospel praise dancing and fraternity stepping, which was adopted from black drill sergeants of World War II and the famed African warrior Chaka Zulu. Arguably the highlight of the show, the stepping segment instantly turned a historical show into an upbeat "soul full" celebration. Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Robert Jones of Topeka, Kan., fired up the crowd with his routine.

"It almost seemed like you were at a college pep rally," said Cmdr. George Adams of Chesapeake, Va. "The stepping portion was probably one of the most entertaining parts of the show. It really got everyone excited, which broke up a lot of stress. The junior Sailors and Marines really got a charge out of it.

"However, the highlight of the show was the overall message about looking at history as a means to unite in the present," said Adams. "The message was vividly seen through words and the music. I found the show entertaining, uplifting and inspirational."

While many favored the show's dancing, others were more emotionally moved by the singing portion, which covered old gospel hymns like "Lift Every Voice and Sing," "Go Down Moses" and "Amazing Grace."

"The rendition of "Amazing Grace" sent chills down my back," said 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's Marine Lance Cpl. Gustauis Barfield, a native of Decatur, Ga. "I enjoyed the show, because it showed me where I come from. I also appreciated the message. Sometimes, we as people let our backgrounds hinder us from getting along with each other. I learned from the program that we need to use those differences to unite and learn from each other."

Other audience members agreed. Whether it was the music or the poetry, the message and the entertainment was therapeutic.

"The show was moving and made me proud of my African American heritage," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Tysha Arrington of Killeen, Texas.

Cast and audience members shared similar feelings about the show's impact on education, entertainment and morale.

"Much like the crowd, our cast was of different races and backgrounds," explained the show's coordinator Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Robyn Price of Bronx, N.Y. "They were practicing together night and day for one common goal. They were all embracing the celebration of black history.

"After the show, you could easily see crew members of all colors sitting together and laughing about the show," Price said. "It shows that everyone learned not only about African American culture, but that they subconsciously adopted the shows theme,'breaking the barriers.'"