Sunny Hill students enjoyed performances from Voices of the South: “Starry Road to Freedom” on November 11.

“The Starry Road to Freedom” is a one-man show about Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent figures in African American history and one of the most influential lecturers and authors in American history. It chronicles his journey from slavery to freedom and the transformative power of education.

Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people whether black, American Indian, recent immigrant or the rights of females. In the show, actor Phil Darius Wallace performs numerous characters in Frederick Douglass’ life. Wallace skillfully plays the role of Frederick Douglass as a little boy along with other characters such as his powerful and loving grandmother, his cruel slave master, and finally Douglass as a free adult. These characters combined to make a mesmerizing show. The performance includes music, dancing, singing, monologues and poetry. The most powerful message delivered in the story is how education completely transformed Frederick Douglass’ life. Through the play, students had the opportunity to meet a man who was an American abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer through the talent of Phil Darius Wallace.

Mr. Wallace is an actor, poet, director, playwright and filmmaker. Mr. Wallace appeared in the movie “Nothing But the Truth” with Kate Beckinsale and Matt Dillon, and is currently in post-production on his own movie, “100 Lives,” which he wrote, directed and produced.