FORTUNE: Hoboken High School Honors Black History Month with Playwright George Cameron Grant

Posted on February 13, 2018 in Features

Hoboken High School recently hosted “Fortune” playwright, George Cameron Grant as its first event to honor Black History Month.

The internationally produced and award-winning playwright spoke to students and answered their questions about the person and true story behind his play.

Rose Fortune, who was born a slave, and through a 90-year life span, became a symbol of truth, social equality and human spirit.

During the special event celebrating the contributions and achievements of African Americans, students Brandon Lyons and Demeara Davenport from Hoboken High School’s award-winning theatre program presented on stage and read excerpts from the play.

The Hoboken High School Chorus also sang spiritual hymns featured including ‘Follow The Drinking Gourd’.

“We are thrilled to host Mr. Grant to Hoboken High School for this year’s first event for Black History Month,” said Hoboken High School Principal, Robin Piccapietra.

“Rose Fortune’s story is testament to the resilience and the ability of an individual to overcome seemingly impossible odds to achieve success.”

“Organized by our acclaimed theatre director, Danielle Miller the powerful lesson by Mr. Grant is part of our commitment to giving students a unique and engaging learning experiences that goes beyond textbooks,” said Ms. Piccapietra.

A slave born in Philadelphia in 1774, Rose Fortune was uprooted with her family to Virginia when the Revolutionary War broke out. Fortune’s family became British loyalists and after the war was lost, they gained freedom and moved to a sanctuary in Nova Scotia.

After losing her father along the way, Rose had to care for her mother while confronting the realities of freedom, including a scarcity of resources, unfriendly locals, and a need for employment. She eventually started a company that lasted long after she passed, and became the first female police officer in North America.

Grant told students that he first felt compelled to write Fortune’s story after coming across her unmarked grave during a midnight grave tour while on vacation in Annapolis Royal, Canada.

“Rose Fortune was an extraordinary courageous woman who refused to accept failure as an option, no as an answer or despair as a destiny. It is my pleasure to share her remarkable story and celebrate the many achievements of African-Americans, like Rose’s with Hoboken High School students,” said Mr. Grant.

Tags: Hoboken High School