University News
Civil Rights Storytelling Program at WIU
February 5, 2008
MACOMB, IL -- Take a trip back in time to 1957 in the midst of the Little Rock integration crisis as civil rights activisit Daisy Lee Gatson Bates brings her story to the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus Monday, Feb. 11.
The event, which will be held at 7 p.m. in Currens Hall 205, will feature Bates, portrayed by Sheila Arnold of Hampton, VA, who will discuss her life -- in period costume -- as Bates, an American civil rights leader, journalist, publisher and author who played a leading role in the Little Rock integration crisis of 1957. Following Arnold's presentation, she will participate in a question-and-answer session and discuss the skills and techniques that are needed to portray historical characters.
Arnold performs in, manages and contracts new business for "History's Alive!" and is also an interpreter and coordinator of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's Teachers' Institute. She leads creative writing and drama workshops and is a motivational speaker. Arnold wrote and presented the monologue series, "And the Women Were There," and has a full-length play of the same title. In 2007 Arnold visited Western, portraying Ol' Bess, an 18th century tavern slave.
"Ms. Arnold's presentation last year as Ol' Bess was fantastic. Not only are her portrayals highly educational, they are realistic and entertaining," said Barry Witten, curriculum and instruction professor and co-host of the event. "I encourage anyone who has not seen Ms. Arnold perform to join us as we celebrate the triumphs and recognize the tribulations of those who fought for civil rights in this country."
Arnold's presentation, which is open free to the public, is sponsored by the departments of history and curriculum and instruction. For more information, contact Witten at BL-Witten@wiu.edu or 309/298-1789.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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