Perfect For
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- Schools
- Libraries
- Community Programs
- Festivals
Recommended Ages
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- All ages
Program Length
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- 45–60 Minutes
Learning Themes
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- African American History
- Cultural Awareness
- Character Development
- Freedom & Justice
- Civic History
Permission to Be Free
Experience the resilience of the human spirit through a moving story of emancipation and hope.
Immerse yourself in Permission to Be Free, a powerful storytelling program in which Sheila Arnold portrays a husband and wife in Galveston, Texas, as they learn of the possibility of freedom for the first time. Through their journey of uncertainty, hope, and resilience, audiences experience the emotional impact of emancipation while also learning about the jailed Galveston mayor whose courage helped pave the way for change. Centered on the couple’s promise to celebrate if they are free in a year, this moving performance explores the enduring quest for freedom and justice, honors the unsung heroes of history, and celebrates the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Sample Activities
- Audience discussion of freedom and citizenship
- Reflection on choices, courage, and resilience
- Exploring historical perspectives through storytelling