The line is from a reader's theater written by Mardi Bergen, lecturer in speech and communications at Indiana University East in Richmond. The production is a close look at some of Richmond 's residents who instigated change and demanded equality throughout its formation.
Voices that have been silenced by time will once again be heard because of the creative project written by Bergen. She has researched Richmond 's diverse history from the early recordings of jazz to the local fight for civil rights to women's rights. There are also influences from different nationalities such as the Dutch, Filipinos, and Mexicans. She has transformed the historical records into “Reflections and Roses.” The production is scheduled to debut June 30, 2006 at the Townsend Community Center in Richmond.
“These are stories that aren't written. We didn't want them to be lost,” Bergen said. “We want the young people of the community to use this idea so that they can add stories of history for the future. I think celebrating our diversity makes Richmond a stronger community.”
The production is part of the Townsend Community Center Bicentennial Program. Richmond is celebrating its 200 th birthday this year.
Fate inspired Bergen to write the reader's theater. After watching a television program on the neighboring Longtown, Ohio settlement, Bergen felt driven to record the stories that have made Richmond unique. The Longtown settlement was established in 1818 by James and Sophia Clemens. Freed African -Americans helped the community to prosper including the addition of farms, churches and cemeteries and the Union Literary Institute. Today it is on the National Register of Historic Places and is an official Underground Railroad site. The Clemens' deserted home stands today.
Many descendants from Longtown now live in Richmond and the surrounding areas. Bergen interviewed many of these family members and toured the remaining Clemens property, still owned by descendants today. Helping her in collecting documents and making introductions was David Hogg, a former IU East student and the Campus Ministry Associate for Diversity and Religious Leadership at Earlham College located in Richmond.
“There have been a lot of people with skills in art and life by individuals not in the mainstream. This gives us the opportunity to recognize those people.” Hogg said.
The reader's theater opens with a grandfather spending an evening with his grandchildren. The grandfather tells the story of how the family planted roots in the area and how Richmond developed through the actions of many of its people. Interwoven with the backdrop of the grandfather and children, are readers that tell the stories of these people and dancers and musicians who share their music.
The history of Richmond is rich in diversity and historical significance. The city has made history by having the first company that recorded both black and white musicians, the first organized high school orchestra, women formed the first nationally organized women's rights association, female United Methodist ministers built some of the areas first churches and the history continues including the fight for civil rights and equal opportunity.
This creative project memorializes residents such as Robert F. “Bobby” Smith who is remembered as a young protestor who never stopped his pursuit of equality so that his daughters may have the opportunity for employment other than in the industry of cleaning houses; James “Baby Hughey” Ramey who performed with the Babysitters during the 1960s; jazz musician Andy Simpkins who recorded with Blue Note and The Three Sounds; the influence of the Jewish and Quaker religions; and local sports heroes from boxing, football, basketball and golf.
“I have learned that we have even more to learn in Richmond than I have thought. I have learned that it is healthy to know these things and to have pride in them,” Bergen said. “I have learned that working together is both right and very satisfying.”
