Presented by
The School of Humanities in partnership with
Sankofa African American Theatre Company
Concept by Lynette Overby, Ph.D. • Adaptation by Sharia Benn
Jan. 24, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Penn State Harrisburg Kulkarni Theatre (SEC)
Jan. 25, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Whitaker Center; Sunoco Performance Theater
Reserve your free tickets now!
Sponsored by the Penn State Harrisburg Kulkarni Cultural Series
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Born free in 1825 Baltimore, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper rose from orphaned child to one of the most powerful voices of her century. Poet, abolitionist, educator, and suffragist - her words lit fires for justice a century before Dr. King’s dream. She published the first short story by an African American woman and delivered fiery speeches on abolition, temperance, and women’s rights across the U.S. and Canada.
This original production, presented in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, brings Harper’s artistry and activism to life. Her story embodies the message: that art, intellect, and moral courage can bend the arc of history. The performance features Sharia Benn, Founder, President & Executive Artistic Director of Sankofa, as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and is co-directed by Maria Enriquez, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor of Theater and Penn State Harrisburg School of Humanities Program Coordinator. We are also proud to showcase the talents of Penn State Harrisburg students and the Sharing Our Legacy Dance Theatre.
