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DPR Media Contacts: Michael Tucker Jr., (202) 717-4242, [email protected]

(Washington, DC) - The Bowser administration, DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Recreation Wish List Committee, led by Cora Masters Barry, bring past and present social activists to life through performances by the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) Tennis Scholars for the 13th Annual Blacks in Wax. THEARC Theater and the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts will host headlining performances of SETLC’s 2019 Blacks in Wax on March 15 and March 23.

“Our young people at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center have worked so hard and I am excited to see the culmination of their work and the impact it will have on the audience,” said Acting DPR Director Delano Hunter.

This year’s theme and vignette, “Young, Gifted and WOKE,” shines a spotlight on those who ignited social change and those who keep the fire lit. Through their participation in Blacks in Wax, the SETLC Tennis Scholars are given the opportunity to learn and share America’s rich history.

The SETLC Tennis Scholars will portray characters ranging from Rosa Parks to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in creative museum and stage settings. Witness more than 60 young people, ages 5 to 17, transform at the touch of a button from a “wax replica” to a live portrayal of influential figures from the worlds of sports, entertainment, activism, politics and literature. Followed by the museum visit, the audience will be treated to a live stage performance of vignettes that educate and entertain all ages through dance, music, and drama. 13th Annual

Blacks in Wax Washington, D.C. Performances:

Friday, March 15, 2019
1:00 p.m. for schools and seniors
6:00 p.m. open to public
THEARC
1901 Mississippi Ave., SE

Saturday, March 23, 2019
5:00 p.m.
John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts
2700 F St., NW

For reservations and information, please visit DPR.events. Events are open to the public and press. Press interested in attending contact [email protected].

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About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities

ABOUT THE RECREATION WISH LIST COMMITTEE (RWLC)

Founded in 1995 by former First Lady of DC, Cora Masters Barry, Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC) is a non-profit working to improve the quality of recreational opportunities for underserved youths in the District. They have renovated and refurbished ball fields, tennis and basketball courts and provided computer labs all across the City—from the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Ward 8 to the Chevy Chase Recreation Center in Ward 3. RWLC’s flagship project, started in 2001 with the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, a state-of-the-art tennis and learning facility that features a library, five classrooms, computer lab, fitness center and a community meeting room. www.recreationwishlist.org