Kimberly Shelby-Szyszko is a writer, educator and voiceover/actress whose plays have been seen in theatres and cultural centers throughout NYC. Her new play, “Grimke’s Shadow,” commissioned and produced by Xoregos Performing Company, premieres at The Producer’s Club this month. Others include Placebos Dress for Comfort (developed through Paul Zimmerman’s Writing Workshop), Trip to My Lou (concert reading, S&J Productions), and Zorah’s Magic Carpet (produced by Trilok Fusion Arts). Kimberly earned her B.A. in Creative Writing from Hofstra University, studying theatre with Royston Coppenger. She studied voice at Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts and has appeared in film, television, radio and stage productions. She teaches playwriting, acting, reading, writing, and writing evaluation for private and public organizations. Her lesson plans and articles dealing with education, health, and the arts have been published in MetroParent Magazine, The Big Idea, The Drive, and on numerous websites. Her work has been recognized with a Gold Award from Parenting Publications of America.
Kimberly, my name is Bill Grimke-Drayton. My great-great-great-great uncle, Henry Grimke, was Angelina Weld Grimke's grandfather. He was a slaveowner. After the death of his wife, Selina (nee Simmons), he had a relationship with Nancy Weston, his children's nurse and one of his house slaves. Three sons were born to them - Archibald, Francis and John. Nancy was pregnant with John when Henry died of typhoid in 1852. As you probably know, Archibald married Sarah Stanley, a white woman. There were problems in their marriage. She left to pursue a career and eventually committed suicide in 1898 in San Diego. The Grimke family papers (i.e. Archibald and Francis) are located at the Moorland Springarn Research Center at Howard University in DC. I have my own website - www.grimke.co.uk. As it so happens, I've just published on www.amazon.com a collection of poetry entitled: FREEDOM RECLAIMED. I shall also be making a recording of the poems which will eventually be on sale as well. Please let me know more about the play - how it goes! All the best, Bill.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to let you know about my contact details - grimke@hotmail.co.uk - cellphone - 01144-7726-196253.
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