Lady CT presents The People Could Fly: An African American Folktale

A long time ago in Africa, the people could fly…so begins the title story in Virginia Hamilton’s prize-winning American Black folktale anthology. Virginia Hamilton grew up listening to her parents, grandparents and others tell stories of their past. She since realized that “they were passing along heritage and culture and a pride in their history.”

The story, in which an old man, tired of the abuse he and others are suffering under the violence of slavery, reclaims his people’s magic and power and helps them to liberate themselves. It introduces students to the remarkable power of those who escaped the horrible conditions of slavery. Despite the hardships they faced, enslaved people held on to a sense of community and tradition. They passed on stories, folk tales and legends from generation to generation.

This is a story about the triumph of the human spirit and the fight for freedom! The story celebrates the resiliency of enslaved people and honors the significance of the spirituality and mysticism of Black communities in times of great injustice and uncertainty.

What is hope? Why do we need it? Where can we find it? How can we give hope to others? Explore the answers to these profoundly important questions.

This Carver Youth Matinee is recommended for all ages!