Portraying Sissieretta Jones

 Friday, June 14th at the Manning Chapel, Brown University.

  I want to thank  Robb Dimmock , Ray Rickman and the Schiller Institute Chorus for a wonderful afternoon of spiritual music and inspirational speakers. This was just one part of the events to the BREAKING CHAINS Project put on by STAGES OF FREEDOM

Also, a big thank you goes out to my dear friend Rose Weaver for taking these lovely shot of me portraying Sissieretta Jones that evening.

Born Matilda Sissieretta Joyner on January 5, 1869, in Portsmouth, Virginia, she was the child of Jeremiah Joyner, a pastor, and Henrietta Joyner, a singer in the church choir. After moving with her family to Rhode Island when she was six, Sissieretta began singing in the church choir, which was directed by her father.