Lola Louis' Creative & Performing Arts presents
The Children's Legacy
A dramatic journey through African & African American history, guided by a Griot.
Written by Lola Lenore Louis · 45 minutes, performed without intermission, as part of a larger presentation of plays
The Story
“The Children's Legacy” is a powerful dramatic work that explores the connections between African American history, cultural identity, and contemporary social issues through a narrative that moves through time and space.
The play centers on a young African American teenager who, disconnected from her cultural roots, embarks on a dream-like journey guided by a Griot—a traditional West African storyteller and keeper of oral history. Through this spiritual guide, she encounters historical figures and ancestral voices that illuminate the rich tapestry of the African and African American experience.
As the journey unfolds, the play confronts pressing challenges facing African American youth—from systemic inequities to questions of identity and belonging—while offering pathways to healing through cultural connection and self-discovery.
What the Play Explores
West African Heritage
Honors the traditions, spiritual practices, and communal values of West African societies through the character of the Griot.
The Middle Passage
Acknowledges the traumatic history of the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact on African American communities.
Civil Rights
Historical figures and events from the struggle for equality and justice give context to present-day challenges.
Contemporary Realities
Addresses systemic inequities in education, criminal justice, and economic opportunity facing communities today.
On Stage
“The arts are the best insurance policy a city can take on itself.”
Woody Dumas
This production is dedicated in loving memory of Lola Lenore Louis (1945–2023), whose vision, passion, and commitment to artistic excellence continue to inspire everything we do.