Let America Be America Again

As we stand amidst the continued oppression of Black lives and Black voices, Congo Square Theatre Company continues its mission to elevate the voices of Black artists and artists of color. This piece, based on Langston Hughes' poem "Let America Be America Again," is our reflection on the times.

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The Artists:

Ron Conner, Ensemble Member

Aimee K. Bryant, Ensemble Member

Heather Himes, Dancer

Kenna Cottman, Dancer

Melody Angel, Musician

Malcolm Banks, Video Editor

I. CAN'T. BREATHE.

These were the last words uttered by George Floyd as he was pinned down on the asphalt of a Minneapolis street for nearly eight minutes, grasping for his very life. We will never know the last words of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, yet their desperate cries reverberate in the hearts and minds of every black person who walks in fear daily.

Over the last few weeks, we have seen the continued tragedies and injustices in our country–injustices that have hovered over the Black community for centuries, and remains ever-present today.

At Congo Square Theatre, we stand with our community in Minnesota and across the country in the fight for justice for all the Black lives stolen by the hands of systemic racism. With great fervor, we will continue to fight and tell the stories of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless other black lives stolen every day.