Theresa G, the storyteller, captivates her audiences by sharing stories from the past that are inspirational and educational for people of all ages. She skillfully employs the use of props, period costumes, voice inflections and characteristic gestures to deliver historically accurate depictions of African American women in history. Her characters come to life in her creative, moving and entertaining performances. She offers lasting and emotional impacts through the timeless stories she tells. Theresa G is available to schools, libraries and churches as well as other other organizations. She stands ready to teach about the struggles and triumphs of renowned African American women.
Coretta Scott King (April 27, 1927 – January 30, 2006)
Coretta Scott King was an author, singer and noted civil rights leader. The wife of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mrs. King was known for her beauty and grace. She helped support the SCLC, and many of her husband’s endeavors, with her talent as an opera singer, pianist, and violinist.
Sally Hemings (1773 – 1835)
Sally Hemings was an enslaved Black woman owned by Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States. Hemings bore 6 children for Jefferson. Powerful and strong as well as beautiful, Sally Hemings was a shrewd negotiator who requested freedom for each of her adult children when they reached the age of 21.
Rosa Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005)
Known as the First Lady of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks is noted for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott which began the desegregation of bus systems across the United States. By refusing to give up her seat to a white man in 1955, Parks lit the flame needed to usher a new era in history. It is often stated that, “Parks sat down so we could rise up.”
Elizabeth Keckley (February 1818 – May 1907)
Elizabeth Keckley, from Dinwiddie Courthouse, Virginia, was born in bondage but triumphantly overcame slavery by buying freedom for herself and her son, George. Keckley was known as a dressmaker to and close confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Keckley was a businesswoman who employed over 20 newly freed slaves, and the author of the book, Behind the Scenes: Thirty Years a Slave, Four Years in the White House.
Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014)
Three-time Grammy winner, poet, author and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou made her mark on the world with her deep resounding voice. Angelou spoke 6 different languages, authored several books and was a compelling actor and speaker. She was a friend of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mary Elizabeth Bowser (1797 – 1883)
Smart and savvy, Mary Elizabeth Bowser was a successful spy for the Union army who helped bring down slavery with a loaf of bread! Born a slave, Bowser’s intellect was soon noticed. Bowser obtained a job as an employee in he Confederate White House.
Barbara Johns (March 6, 1935 – September 25, 1991)
At the tender age of 16, Barbara Johns from Farmville, Virginia, organized a school boycott demanding equal education and facilities in both black and white schools. Over 350 school children walked out with her. Her brave movement came to the attention of civil rights attorneys who eventually named Johns’ actions in the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision.
Mary Lumpkin (1832 – 1905)
Mary Lumpkin was the wife of a brutal slave owner, Robert Lumpkin, with whom she had 7 children. Lumpkin was the owner of Lumpkin’s Jail, known as The Devil’s Half Acre, in Richmond, Virginia.
Madam C J Walker (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919)
Philanthropist, entrepreneur, political and social activist, Madam C. J. Walker was the first female self-made millionaire. Walker invented the Hot Comb and a line of hair products for black women. She is well known for her charitable donations.
Maggie Walker (July 15, 1864 – December 15, 1934)
Maggie Walker from Richmond, Virginia was a businesswoman who served as the nation’s first black female bank president.
Sojourner Truth ( – November 26, 1883)
Born into slavery on an unknown date as Isabella Baumfree, she later changed her name to Sojourner Truth. She was an abolitionist and an advocate for women’s rights. Truth felt it her mission to preach the gospel and to speak out against slavery.
Harriet Tubman (1820 -March 10, 1913)
Known as Moses, Harriet Tubman rescued over 70 slaves using the system known as the Underground Railroad. Using the stars as her navigator, Tubman made 13 missions to the path of freedom. It is noted that Tubman “never lost a passenger.”
Emily Winfree (1834-1919)
Resident of Magnolia Grange in Chesterfield, Virginia, Emily Winfree bore 6 children for her slave owner. She was a part of the household servants at Magnolia Grange