Sacramento may be one of the nation’s most culturally diverse populations, but our campus does not neglect the comfort in gathering with those who relate to our backgrounds. As such, Sacramento State’s Sons & Ancestors Players Club has created a niche for black college students interested in theater.

Faculty adviser Melinda Wilson, associate professor of theater and dance, said the club is “a theater company on campus that focuses on bringing to life the lives and stories and experiences of Africans and African Americans around the country.”

Founded in 1977 by a group of students, the club aimed to bring more black awareness to campus. According to the club’s mission statement, its “goal is to welcome, educate and entertain (their) peers and the public by bringing the rich history and diverse culture of African-Americans to life through theater and performance.” From surviving segregation and prejudice to gaining respect and changing a nation, the African American experience is one to be communicated.

Former treasurer Tiffany Barrett spent three years as a member and two years as treasurer.

“As a Sac State sophomore…I became curious about the organization after seeing a flier for an upcoming meeting. After I attended I knew it was something I wanted to stay involved with,” Barrett said. “The members were so welcoming and talented &- just the type of people I wanted to surround myself with, to learn and grow as a person and performer.”

Barrett enjoyed touring African American theaters to perform for “audiences young and old in local and regional venues.” The performances depict the lives and experiences of black youth.

Wilson advised the club on its February performance of an original piece titled “New Black Math” that showed a day in the life of college students.

New Black Math was written by a club member and was performed along the West Coast last month.

“Every year they do different performances on-and-off campus, slowly (traveling) across the country, (but) mostly West Coast at the moment,” Wilson said.

Sons & Ancestors Players are always welcoming new members and talent.

“Sons & Ancestors Players looks for people that are interested in exploring their creativity, whether it is through acting, dancing, singing, poetry (and) photography,” Barrett said. “We try to provide an outlet for our members to utilize their talents.”

Although she graduated in December, Barrett is still looking forward to catching performances done by her peers so that she can see how much they have grown in their time as Sons & Ancestors Players members and Sac State students.

“It is truly a club that provides something for everyone while sharing plenty of laughs along the way,” Barrett said.

Kayla Oliverio can be reached [email protected]