EVENT
Opera: The Elizabeth Jennings Graham Story (100 Years Before Rosa Parks)
St. Marks In-The-Bowery
In honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Opera Exposures presents “The Story of Elizabeth Jennings: 100 Years Before Rosa Parks” at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
The 3 p.m. recital featuring two world-renowned opera singers will celebrate the remarkable life of a 19th-century hidden figure.
In 1854, Jennings was on her way to church in Manhattan when she boarded a segregated street car. The conductor attempted several times to physically remove her, but Jennings resisted. Finally, police officers ejected her from the street car. Artists will perform classical music and spirituals inspired by Jennings, who successfully sued the Third Avenue Railroad Company, which ended its practice of racial discrimination.
Paying tribute will be featured soprano Nia Drummond, featured tenor Edward Washington II and Jonathan Cameron Kelly on piano. Anthony Turner will serve as moderator. (Check bios and photos on Page 2.)
St. Marks is located at 131 E. 10th Street on the Lower East Side.
