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Playback Memphis debuts Frayser youth theater ensemble

NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER — On September 20, Playback Memphis staged its second annual Frayser Matters performance, but it was a first appearance for the members of its new Playback Memphis Youth Ensemble. The youth ensemble consists of sixth and seventh graders representing several Frayser middle schools including Westside and the Memphis Business Academy.

Published

6 years ago

October 22, 2019

Oakland Post

Members of the Playback Memphis Youth Ensemble gave their first performance at the second annual Frayser Matters event. (Playback Memphis)

By Baris Gursakal

On September 20, Playback Memphis staged its second annual Frayser Matters performance, but it was a first appearance for the members of its new Playback Memphis Youth Ensemble.

The youth ensemble consists of sixth and seventh graders representing several Frayser middle schools including Westside and the Memphis Business Academy.

The youth, along with members of Playback’s adult ensemble, worked together to listen to audience members’ stories then act out or ‘play back’ what they heard.

The players performed a movement mirroring exercise, acted out improvisational scenes in response to audience prompts, and sang songs paired with improvisational dance moves and live music.

“I was excited [to perform] because I learned how to do this last year, and now today, I have more courage than I did last time,” said youth ensemble member Madyson Margette.

Playback theater performances aim to facilitate dialogue around difficult topics and help audience members build empathy as they learn about the experiences, struggles and perspectives of other audience members.

The moving, hour-long performance prompted tears and laughter from the audience.

“I’m a psychologist, and it’s almost like they do psychology really quickly, much more quickly, by having people act out the dramas that people are experiencing,” said audience member Dixie Fletcher. “We used to teach some of the same peacebuilding skills when I was in the school system, but I like the way they do it better than how we did it.”

Related: ‘Playback Memphis partners with Le Bonheur and SCS to reduce bullying and teen pregnancy’

“It’s empowering to be able to work with a group of young people who may have different struggles, ideas, and experiences but are able to come together for the same purpose and be together and open and hear other peoples stories and honor them,” said Leslie Jones, who oversees the Playback’s youth programming.

Audience members were moved to both laughter and tears at the second annual Playback Memphis Frayser Matters event, featuring the first performance of Playback’s youth ensemble. (Jenny Myers, Playback Memphis)

More than An Art

Members of Playback’s youth ensemble began learning their craft in fifth grade as part of Playback’ Be the Peace! school-based program. They then attended its inaugural Be the Peace! summer camp held this year.

The school-based program operated in Corning and Frayser elementary schools until they merged to become Frayser-Corning. Now Playback’s adult ensemble members meet weekly with Frayser-Corning 5th graders for hands-on training and quarterly for school-wide performances. Playback also provides professional development for teachers focused on trauma-informed, mindful school leadership.

Many schools in Frayser struggle with a lack of funding for arts programming, which is one reasons Playback Memphis is working in the area, but the organization does more than provide children with an opportunity to participate in the arts.

It teaches the children about “peacebuilding” which Playback’s director, Virginia Murphy, says strengthens communication and conflict resolution skills and encourages healthy coping mechanisms when faced with both everyday issues and the extraordinary challenges.

Frayser is large and diverse, and the life experiences of its residents vary greatly. However, Playback’ data shows, nearly 80 percent of Frayser’s children live below the federal poverty line, and its crime rate is over 200 percent above the national average.

Over half of people living in Shelby County report at least one adverse childhood experience — such as homelessness, loss of a parent to death or incarceration or abuse in the household — but that figure increases in areas of extreme disinvestment like Frayser.

“Most of these kids are surviving complex trauma on a daily basis,” said Murphy.

Frayser’s schools and families are chronically underserved and often unable to fully address their children’s complex social and emotional needs, let alone find and fund opportunities to strengthen social-emotional learning and build a positive school culture informed by the realities of trauma and survival.

Three of Playback’s adult ensemble members were previously incarcerated and two now live in Frayser. They were first exposed to playback theater as part of their work to rebuild their lives post-release but say if they’d had Playback Memphis as children, they may not have been incarcerated in the first place.

“Applying playback theater in the way that we do is just a beautiful way to share practices of awareness and compassion and really give them some skillful methods of being able to learn the art of generous listening, being able to resolve conflict peacefully, grow in awareness of their feelings and needs, and to pay attention to what other people are feeling and what they need,” said Murphy.

Members of Playback’s adult and youth ensembles performed at the second annual Playback Memphis Frayser Matters performance held on September 20, 2019. (Jenny Myers, Playback Memphis)

Playback’s Steps Forward

Playback is now looking towards expanding its school-based program into additional Frayser elementary schools, as well as partnering with Tim and Kim Ware, who are developing a proposal for an alternative school for high students who drop out of traditional schools. They plan to present to Shelby County Schools in the next few months.

“One of our big areas of focus is going to be how we build up developmental assets in young people with a specific focus on things like restorative practices, mindfulness, and empathy,” said Tim Ware.

“Playback Memphis does a phenomenal job at that,” he continued. “We are interested in seeing if we could partner, if the school is approved, and kind of have it built into the DNA of the school.”

The organization also plans to host a spring performance for the youth ensemble and has plans for another Be the Peace! summer camp in June 2020.

Margette attended the 2019 camp and says she plans on attending again next year.

“I liked the summer camp because we learned how to do more stuff than we did at school,” said Margette comparing the intensive summer experience with her fifth grade experience.

“I learned to have more courage when I speak because I was shy before I came to the camp and before I was in Playback.”

This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,