The Month of February is Black History or African-American History Month.  First designated in 1976, Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African Americans and their central role in U. S. History.  Learn More.

As we celebrate Black History Month in the Blackstone Valley, we would like to shine a light on some of our local attractions, businesses, and people that have worked to promote African-American history throughout our communities. 

Since the theme for 2021 is ““Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.”  We begin with the family-run Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket.  Founded by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and his wife Bernadet 20 years ago, the theatre continues to tell the stories of Black America and empowering black and brown artists under the artistic direction of son, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley.

In 2007, Mixed Magic formed the critically-acclaimed Exult Choir to preserve and lift up gospel music’s rich tradition. Under the musical direction of another family member, Kim Morrison Pitts-Wiley (Jonathan’s wife), the choir strives to honor the legacy of  music that inspired a people and fueled a movement.   

Many of their most powerful productions have blended original spoken word with music featuring talented local  artists to the delight of many audience members. One of the most stirring productions that we witnessed and one that has stayed with us was the performance of Martin Luther King Jr. “Letter From Birmingham Jail.”  The performances were riveting! 

With the current pandemic, Mixed Magic has adapted their space by creating cubicles so that performers can be on stage together while socially distanced and have brought them to audiences via Zoom or Facebook Live. 

Continuing the tradition of focusing on stories of Black America and Black History, this month Mixed Magic will present two productions: 

• Friday, February 19 @ 7:30 pm – Rise to Black: All God’s Children celebrating the excellence of our dynamic black artists.
• Friday, February 26 @ 7:30 pm – Fate Comes Knocking, an original production by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley, a play with music about Martin Luther King and the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement. More info

Both productions will be virtual on Mixed Magic’s Facebook Page or Youtube Channel. Please consider making a donation to keep this vibrant theatre going to continue their work in presenting theater that reflects their community and keeping “the human in theatre.”… as Ricardo would say.