Page 211 - From the Outhouse 4 -21

211 | P A T R I C I A R A E M E R R I T T W H A T L E Y

The very first students to enroll in the Tajiri Arts after-school classes were:

1. Anika Baker
2. Carnesha Chavers

3. Katrina Doe
4. Kianga Ford

5. Tamesia Glover

6. Maya Good
7. Terry Von McKinney

8. Rene Thomas

9. Renee Singleton Bell
10. Dekeysie Whitby

Before the year was over, Dr. Wright called to ask if the students would be ready to perform for the Seminole Community College
Heritage Jubilee Celebration in January 1989. My reply was, “Of course.” I knew I owed the college another performance. I had said

when I returned to the Heritage Jubilee celebration, it would be with my kids. So, I created, Umoja, an original musical of Negro
Spirituals, Gospels, African Dance, Poetic Movements, and a Comedy Routine. Now, the real challenges began. First of all, who

would comprise the cast of performers and how would I fund this production? Nevertheless, I immediately started to put an A+ team

together, consisting of:

1. Mr. Ronald Nathan – Musical Conductor of 30-piece Children’s Orchestra

2. Mrs. Ira George Hudgins – Choreographer

3. Mrs. Levather Whitby – Costume Designer
4. Mrs. Sandra Petty – Pianist