"Work of Their Own" follows three African American workers—a seamstress, a carpenter-preacher, and Madam C.J. Walker—as they navigate labor, dignity, and self-determination in Reconstruction and early 20th-century America. A powerful story of freedom, faith, and forging a future.
Step into a powerful journey through time in Work of Their Own, a thought-provoking
performance exploring the lives of African Americans during Reconstruction and the early
20th century. Through the voices of a seamstress, a carpenter-preacher, and the legendary
Madam C.J. Walker, this original production highlights the resilience, dignity, and
entrepreneurial spirit of Black laborers navigating newfound freedom and forging their own
paths in a changing America. Blending history, storytelling, and live performance, Work of
Their Own invites audiences to reflect on the meaning of work, agency, and legacy.