Changing the World

The props are ready and the stage is set for the Mansfield Senior High and community production of The Black Cyclone this weekend, sponsored by North End Community Improvement Collaborative. Students and community members have been rehearsing for weeks, and on Monday evening, the high school auditorium was electric with anticipation for opening night.

“People should come see it. It’s very inspiring,” said 15-year-old Aneesa McGregor, who portrays a reporter in the production.

“The Black Cyclone is a very important story because it talks about the desegregation pioneer Charles Follis,” said the play’s author, Jim Stoner. “He was the first Black professional football player, and what it took to do that in 1902 is extraordinary.”

“For him to play such a rough sport and face the racism and hatred that was projected at Black people at the turn of the century, let alone in the aggressive environment of a football field, is something everyone should understand,” he continued.

Stoner said that this is the second time the production has been staged with a mix of school students and community members, noting the significance it holds for area youth. “I hope that it inspires young people to do what they love, because they never know how they may be changing the world. Charles Follis changed America by being the first Black professional football player.”

 The production will be held at Mansfield Senior High School this Friday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $4 for students and $8 for adults at www.showclix.com. General admission tickets are available at the door or at www.BlackCyclone.org.