The historical and cultural program Black Lives Matter: Listening to Our Ancestors will be presented at 7 p.m. June 29 and 30, at the Normal Public Library, and at 7 p.m. July 5 and 12, at the Bloomington Public Library. The shows are free and open to the public.

Black Lives Matter: Listening to Our Ancestors seeks to connect the dots from pre-slavery to the Black Lives Matter Movement. The show incorporates a historical power-point; a play with live drumming, dance, drama, and active listening; and a talk back to engage the community in a deep civic dialogue about understanding, growth, and healing.

The play is written and choreographed by Illinois State University Professor of Music Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum and directed by Illinois State Professor of Theatre Kim Pereira. Performers are members from the Bloomington-Normal community.

Financial support for Black Lives Matter: Listening to Our Ancestors is provided by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal Social Justice Fund. For more information about the show, contact Aduonum at okaduon@ilstu.edu or (309) 262-2325.