Theater production reflects on the power of local, peaceful demonstrations, 65 years later
For many older adults, the 1960s Civil Rights movement is a momentous time that will forever occupy their memory. However, for many young people, it's history from what may seem a long-ago era.
A recent theater production, "When the Righteous Triumph," brings local history to life and tells how Hillsborough County began its shift towards desegregation. Hundreds of students from across the region attended the production and learned how, through grassroots efforts, area youth worked together to advance justice.
It happened in Hillsborough County
On Feb. 29, 1960, a series of daily sit-ins started at F.W. Woolworth in downtown Tampa. The peaceful demonstrations were a part of a movement by students who opposed segregation. The non-violent "sit-in" protests at lunch counters, where Black patrons were not permitted, aimed to gain equal rights for people of color.
About 40 students from George S. Middleton and Howard W. Blake High Schools, led by the NAACP Youth Council president and the NAACP state president, banded together to peacefully protest discrimination.
Tampa Mayor Julian Lane ordered the Tampa Police Department to escort the young protesters after the first day of the sit-ins. Days later, Lane appointed a Bi-Racial Committee to quell tensions and encourage equality.
By September 1960 a total of 18 department stores in Tampa had desegregated lunch counters. Unlike many other Southern cities during the '60s, Tampa achieved this through nonviolent means.
History reenacted
This piece of Hillsborough County history was recently told through "When the Righteous Triumph," a play produced by Stageworks Theatre and performed at the Jaeb Theater inside Tampa's David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. This was the second run of shows for the play, which was originally written by local playwright, Mark Leib, and first presented at Stageworks Theatre in 2023.
Hundreds of students from area schools attended productions of "When the Righteous Triumph" and got the chance to see the historical event unfold on stage. Young audiences also learned the importance of civic participation and how students can be an effective force for social change.
Lance Felton, who plays the character Josheph Dasher, sees the play's value in helping young people understand the power of passive resistance and how oppressive policies can be overcome by working with others.
"This story highlights not just one particular group, but a myriad of different groups that helped progress this city and this community. It is important that we see shows like this to identify our role in today's society," Felton said.
Arts Council of Hillsborough County
"When the Righteous Triumph" was made possible by funding from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County through the Cultural Development Grant program. The Cultural Development Grant program provides general support to local cultural organizations that not only serve diverse audiences but also reaches geographically diverse communities. The intent of the grants is to encourage the development of both cultural and administrative operations of these organizations.
To learn more and see first-hand the works of past Arts Council grant recipients, view the Art813 series on YouTube. For more information about grant funding, visit the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and sign up to receive the Arts Council monthly e-newsletter.