The Women’s Lyceum with Ilene Evans as Miss Memphis
On Monday, October 28, 2019 Ilene Evans portrayed the historical character Memphis Tennessee Garrison at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center. The event was about an hour in length and began at 7 p.m.
For those unfamiliar with the name, Memphis Tennessee Garrison was an education and civil rights pioneer in West Virginia. Garrison was involved in the Civil Rights movement, the development of new learning strategies for children with learning disabilities, Social Welfare and setting a strong example for women in leadership positions. As a teacher that worked with many families and children Garrison helped organize the first southern West Virginia NAACP branch in 1921.
Professor at Fairmont State University, Ilene Evans is a “Foundation of Freedom Award” recipient and a “Chautauqua” Scholar for her work in developing presentations about women in history who contributed to African American Culture. In addition to teaching, Evans is a storyteller and performer who uses music, poetry, drama, and dance as part of her presentations.
At the Women’s Lyceum, Ilene Evans began her portrayal of Memphis Tennessee Garrison by having the audience sing the “Black National Anthem” with her. After the “Black National Anthem,” Evans told stories and sang songs, giving a brief overview of Garrison’s life. Before stepping out of character and ending the presentation, Evans allowed the audience to ask “Ms. Memphis” questions.
