
Berea. Ky. (9/18/02): On October 3, at 3 p.m. in Phelps Stokes
Chapel, actor Hasan Davis will portray York, an African American
who stood out from the rest in the expedition Meriweather Lewis
and William Clark led to the Pacific Ocean in 1803-1806.
Davis' one man show is the story of York, who was distinguished
by his black skin and by the fact that he had not volunteered
for this duty. He was a slave and served as the body servant
of expedition co-leader (and Louisvillle resident) William Clark.
It isn't known whether York wanted to be the first African American
to cross the country, but he was, and it was a liberating experience.
In the wilderness, many of the usual constraints of slavery did
not apply. Expedition journals make it clear that York pulled
his weight and won the respect of fellow adventurers. He was
a major asset in dealing with Indians, who regarded his blackness
as "big medicine."
"York" is Davis' second historical portrayal, the
first being that of the life of "A.A. Burleigh, Berea College's
first black graduate." Both portrayals have been a part
of the Kentucky Humanity Council's Chataqua series.
Davis, a professional storyteller, performance artist, and poet,
hold degrees not only from Berea College, where he appeared in
several major theatrical productions, but from the University
of Kentucky College of Law as well. Aside from his successful
creative endeavors, he is also the founder of Youth Empowerment
Solution, which offers consulting services to schools and community
groups.
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