Here is the letter I wrote back to Mr. Dannez Hunter (I just could not resists). The cartoon photo is of Anna Short Harrington his Great Grandmother (She played Aunt Jemima from 1935-1955). Then there is my cartoon logo for The Mammy Project. Hi Mr. Dannez Hunter. Thank you for contacting me. Im am dissappointed in your opinion about the image on my website regarding my theatrical production called, The Mammy Project. The image is a direct reflection of my personal journey and experience with the stereotype, icon and myth of Mammy in America. If you saw my show I would hope that you would understand and draw a different opinion. Ive spent the better part of 10 years touring The Mammy Project across the globe in an effort to educate people about the story of Nancy Green and many other women who played Aunt Jemima, including your Great Grandmother Anna Short Harrington. My show The Mammy Project investigates and provokes discussion around racism, stereotyping and the injustices that happened to many of those women and how it traslates to black women today. I started the project after I auditioned for a commercial for Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix in New York That image of ME dressed as a Mammy with her bloomers showing is an artisitc statement concerning the box that we are often put in as African American women. My heart is broken that you of all people would ask me to remove your Great Grandmothers picture from my site, without even being interested in my project, which honors your grandmother in a respectful, educational and artistic manner. The show has played colleges, universities and theaters around the world including UCLA, NYU and Hemispheric Institute in Buenos Aires, Argentina Please read what people have said about my show.... In telling the story of Nancy Green, the first African-American woman to play the part of Aunt Jemima, Matlock exposes the ugliness of a stereotype by humanizing its portrayer. In Matlocks nuanced and lively investigation of this little known figure in African-American history, the Mammy becomes more than a broad sketch of passive black domesticity. In the middle of Aunt Jemimas patter, the truths that go unspoken speak volumes.Jessica Freeman-Slade, New Theater Corps You will be intellectually provoked by Michelle Matlocks wit, politically afire by the shrewd use of her craft for commentary but, more importantly, you will be moved to laughter and tears by the deep level of commitment and compassion Michelle Matlock has ...Liza Sabater CULTUREKITCHEN.COM Michelle Matlock is pissed. Shes pissed that stereotypes persist. Shes pissed that people are racist. Shes pissed that people are not treated fairly. Jerry Portwood, Backstage I understand that it is a sensitive time for you and your family. I understand you might be feeling frustrated, but please dont take it out on me, especially when you have no idea who I am or what I am about. Because of my show and where it has travelled, you have many people from all over the world who know about your Great Grandmother and they are watching, following and supporting your effort. I know this because they have contacted me. You would not believe how many emails and messages I have recieved from people telling me about your fight to be compensated for the work that your Great Grandmother did. These are people who have seen my show and know how passionate I am about the legacy of all of the women who played the part. Last but not least Mr. Hunter, it IS that time and it IS my type of party. You and your family are not the only ones effected by your Great Grandmothers legacy and your perspective is not the only one. I have been celebrating this untold history and these amazing women for years.. I hope that one day you will be able to see my work, but more importantly I hope that you do some investigating and realize that I am and always have been on your side. There is absolutely nothing DISTASTEFUL about my story, my experience or our history. Good luck with everything. I wish you and yours all the best. Michelle Nicole Matlock
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:35:30 +0000
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