On Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 10 a.m., Bishop John Williams and his wife, Catherine Barrow-Williams, will present “Freedom” in Trinity Chapel at The Terraces at MapleCreek, 2000 32nd St. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Admission is free of charge. Seating is limited; please RSVP by April 11 to (616) 452-5900.
The presentation by Freedom Productions was written by the couple, and features Bishop Williams portraying a character named “Freedom.” Beginning in pre-slavery days, Freedom leads the audience on a journey into human bondage, through the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln, and on to President Obama’s election as the first African American President of the United States.
Cathy Williams is a well-known opera singer in Grand Rapids, having the distinction of being the first African-American opera singer for the Grand Rapids Opera Company. She has starred in Madame Butterfly, Raisin in the Sun, and Marriage of Figaro. She is now performing with the Kentwood Senior Chorale.
To complement her husband’s monologue, Cathy Williams will perform a medley of songs, including jazz, blues, and slave spirituals. “She will sing a cappella, no instruments, voice only, the way the slaves sang,” said Bishop Williams. “This performance is unique to African American culture and presents a story we very much enjoy sharing with others.”
Bishop Williams is president and founder of Central Bible Ministries International and Freedom Productions. His organization has been instrumental in building churches, schools, and orphanages in Kenya, Liberia and Tanzania, and soon in Pakistan.
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