People often asked Meres-Sia Gabriel, “What was it like to have Black Panther Party parents?” Eventually she replied, “I was there too.”
On Sunday, July 20, Gabriel will perform her one-woman show about her Black Panther childhood, “I was there too!” at the Oakland Museum of California.
It is a coming of age story or a coming-to-terms journey about the daughter of two Black Panthers — Minister of Culture Emory Douglas and M. Gayle “Asali” Dickson. From Oakland to Howard University to Paris. Gabriel grappled with a life of challenges and secrecy as a revolutionary “Panther Cub”, a term used to describe the children of Black Panther Party members. She brings her “inner revolution” and recognition of the value of her own story to stage.
The multimedia experience uses live music, archival images and photography, and poetic storytelling to highlight her first-hand experiences.
Gabriel previewed the show last August at Airship Laboratories in Richmond. The melodic soundscape provides a revolutionary and raw lyrical travelogue through the eyes and ears of a Panther Cub.
I Was There Too is written, performed, and produced by Meres-Sia Gabriel. Vocalist Ajuana Black is director. Dr. Yafeu Tyhimba provides musical direction and plays bass. Sam Gonzalez plays drums with Sam Reid on the keys.
The show is part of OMCA’s “Spotlight Sunday” and takes place Sunday, July 20 at 1 p.m. in the James Moore Theater. Entry is sliding scale, $1-$30.
More info: https://museumca.org/spotlight-sundays/
Editor’s note: Later this month, Oakland Voices correspondent Dera R. Williams kicks off a three-part series on Panther Cubs, including Meres-Sia Gabriel.
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