Hotep,
This summer, the Unit 3 death row housing unit will reach
new heights of achievement. Our very own
drama class will perform their rendition of the classic play written by
Reginald Rose, “Twelve Angry Men.”
The irony behind this feat is probably scrambling some
brains and forcing the eyes of some viewers to do a double take. But, I assure you my words are not a
misprint.
North Carolina’s death row is
excelling through theater arts – dispelling the general stereotypes of men
eclipsed by the cloud of reproof.
It is said that good men are hard to find. When I look at this cast of men fighting to
live, rehearsing their lines, and striving for the best results, the degree of
pride I feel is similar to one family member attending another’s graduation
ceremony. I am really looking forward to
this performance.
The entertainment factor is secondary to the fathers
involved, replenishing their legacies before the final act is written in
stone. Allowing their offspring to know
that a good man may be no more than a letter, or a visit away.
In the spirit of Father’s Day, there is a cast of good men I
would be honored to acknowledge: Mr. Julius Samuel, Mr. Leroy E. Mann, Sr., Mr.
Dennis L. Wilson, Sr., Mr. Walter F. Williams, and Mr. Thomas L. Carter, were
the producers of this art we know as life.
They have moved on to the realm that knows no drama, but their
contributions to our stage of living warrants the highest of moral reviews. Rest in peace.
A heartfelt applause goes to the directors of today’s keys
to life. These men are the workers and
doers that epitomize the title of this post: Mr. Elliot C. Dabney (Pops), I
love you, Man.
Mr. Eugene Brown, Mr.
Peter Kuhns, Mr. Jewel Illis, Mr. Jonathan Hartgrove, Mr. Lamar Whidbee, and my
son, Mr. Daveante E. Mann. 12 Good Men.
On this side of the wall that number continues to
climb. The fathers partaking in this
upcoming display of art imitating life have to endure the frustration of living
in the box while their children graduate, marry and honor them with
grandchildren.
Life on the row is no act
– by far, but it cannot stop the
progression of a good man. “Twelve Angry
Men” is just a play here on the row.
Happy Father’s Day!!
Much Love,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2015 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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