Hamilton, Apollo Theater and 9/11 Memorial & Museum Are Sources of Inspiration

The spectacular Broadway hit Hamilton with its mixture of outstanding music and history will always be a source of inspiration for many individuals. It will always have a special place in my life because it was not only one-of the most spectacular sources of creativity but it affected me personally. This was the last Broadway show my husband Walker saw before his death two weeks later. lt was encouraging to hear Amanda Gorman the youngest Poet Laureate to speak at President Biden’s inauguration was also inspired by the musical Hamilton. During an interview with Anthony Mason of CBS This Morning news, he revealed, “...With her performance of The Hill We Climb. The poem drew inspiration from sources ranging from the Bible to the musical Hamilton...” This musical continues to motivate creativity and passion for the arts.

The Broadway Musical Hamilton, Continues to Reach the Hearts of Our Youths

The Broadway hit Hamilton continues to receive rave reviews. Gayle King of CBS This Morning stated, "The songs and dancers have found their way into summer camps and classrooms. Nancy Cordes, a correspondent, visited one of the places where it happened." Nancy, spoke to some of the young people, in regards to how they spent their summer. "Well, thousands of kids went back in time to America's founding, learning acting, dance, and history all through the musical Hamilton." Cordes went on to refer to these young ones as #Hamilkids. "As kids head back to school, the popular hit Broadway musical Hamilton is changing the way they learn about the country's early history." These Hamilkids, "...are picking up a new love of history through song and dance."

Alexander Hamilton, who is featured on the ten dollar bill continues to draw the interest of young people. Nancy Cordes also mentioned, "But for most kids, they would not have had much interest in this man or in the time period until recently. The musical Hamilton gave them a soundtrack and a story that brought the nation's founding to life. Two years in and it is still the hottest ticket on Broadway. But Hamilton is also firing up young imaginations far from New York City. In places like Kansas City, Laguna Beach and Chicago, where the musical has kids singing and dancing their way back in time."

Admiration continues to be demonstrated by kids through the establishment of Hamilton Dance Camps. The creator of this hit #Lin Manuel Miranda was interviewed in 2016 on CBS This Morning when he stated, "Teaching history has become part of the musical's core mission. What's exciting is we've got 20,000 students coming to see the show over the course of the next year and one of the things that are part of the curriculum when they come to the show is: their creating performance pieces based on other histories." Additional information was presented about the creation of, "EduHam, with 13,000 kids in New York. It will reach more than 250,000 students over the next five years. Bringing an intensive Hamilton theme History curriculum to kids all over the country as the musical continues its US tour."

The lead actor who played #Alexander Hamilton, when we attended this musical was #Javier Munoz. He replaced Lin Manuel, after his last Broadway appearance in July 2016. Munoz appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The host of this show, who is Colbert asked, "You have a real interest and inspiring story, that you are H.I.V positive and you've also beat cancer and so, you've had the experience to think about your own death?" Javier answered by explaining, "The root of my drive is the fear of dying." These words were heartwrenching to me now that I have dealt with the loss of my husband Walker, who will always be my dear, sweet, "Baby." He battled stage four #cancer for months. I constantly prayed to Jehovah God, that Walker would come through his treatment of cancer successfully; although my fear of his death was constant. Walker survived cancer and became an example to many. My fears of his death had subsided, when he was accidentally electrocuted on his job during the month of June. It has been tremendously difficult to write or say these words since Walker's death. I am thankful my husband and I had the opportunity to see Hamilton, before his death. It was an impeccable level of drama, music, and history with its #Hip Hop narrative that brought us and other audience members to our feet in applauds. This source of genuine creativity will always have a unique place in my heart. Hamilton was one of the best Broadway plays I have ever seen.

The very talented Leslie Odom, Jr. played the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway hit Hamilton. He is now playing the role of multi-talented Sam Cooke. Before Cooke’s death he, “...was an American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He was also influential as a composer and producer, and is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocals and significance in popular music,“ explains Wikipedia. Anchorwoman Gayle King of CBS This Morning interviewed Leslie Odom with tremendous excitement, “There’s a lot of Oscar buzz for you Mr. Leslie. For your original song in the film, l wanna get the name right, One Night In Miami. You play legendary Sam Cooke. Is an Oscar you even dare to go there and think about? Because listen, if you win an Oscar. You would be an EGOT. You’ve already got the Grammy and the Tony sorry. Is an Oscar something you even dream to think about? What did you think of your performance in One Night In Miami? What did you think?“ With a little apprehension Leslie explained, “Oh man. Well, you know what? I always watch myself and l’ll say this by the end of One Night In Miami, l was like this that’s the most l can give myself. I opened the crack a little bit you know.“ Odom kind of danced around the questions knowing there is a possibility he could win an Oscar for this role as the late Sam Cooke. Winning all four awards is defined by Google “Achieving the EGOT has been referred to as the “grand slam“ of show busines.“ We will wait and see.

Leslie continued his interview with Gayle King by giving some well deserved recognition to the director of the film One Night In Miami. “Regina King as a Director, l can say that she made me better. Whenever she came and had a thought or suggestion she always made me better.“ Anchorman Anthony Mason then asked, “Do you love the film?” Without hesitation Odom responded, “l really do. I think its very special. I do and when that happens it’s a miracle because it’s such a collaborative art form. So many things have to come together to make something that is this special. It’s rare.“ Gayle agreed, “l can’t wait to see it Leslie. I love what you said, ‘Regina King made me better.’ So note to yourself. That’s what women do we make men better so congratulations.” Leslie laughed at Gayle’s comment and said, “Let me write it down.” Gayle responded,”Write it down...”

For the first time, we had the wonderful privilege to visit #Apollo Theater, during our trip to New York. My husband Walker and I, stood in line for hours to see Amateur Night, hosted by the very talented and funny, Steve Harvey. It was hysterical with Harvey, as host of this live televised event. The program consisted of such comedians as Bruce Bruce, with an array of singers, dancers, and amateur comics. Audience members either agreed or disagreed that these amateurs were talented and if they were not; they were escorted off stage by a dancer. Steve, would then make a hilarious remark about their abundance of talent or lack thereof.

Apollo Theater's Outstanding Historical Contribution to Entertainment

Wikipedia explained how, "Amateur Night at the Apollo is one of New York's most popular live entertainment experiences, attracting performers and audiences the world over. The classic competition is known for its notoriously 'tough' audience, gleefully deciding 'who will be good or be gone' to win the grand prize. Who will be the next Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown or #Michael Jackson? At Amateur Night, you decide."

The intriguing book, Apollo Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment, is filled with beautiful photos and outstanding historical facts about this major landmark within Harlem, New York. Within the Editor's Note, this question was presented, "What makes this theater in Harlem a singular proving ground for performers like no other? When we set out to answer this question, we called upon a diverse group of historians, critics, journalists and experts in dance, comedy, and music who analyzed and synthesized the impact of this inimitable theater. We also drew on performers and eyewitnesses who were there." This major institution of creativity has established the foundation of entertainment that has been featured throughout the world.

At the end of the evening, after seeing numerous dancers, comedians, singers and other performers, a very talented Asian looking man who had the voice of Whitney Houston, won the contest for the evening. It was an absolutely amazing show, full of laughter and all out, pure fun. I will never forget how much fun Walker and I had that night, laughing at Steve Harvey and the other performers. The Apollo Theater also will always have a jubilant place in my heart and memories.

Upon our arrival at the #9/11 Memorial Museum, we walked in the midst of landscaped trees that intermingled, "...with two square pools in the center where the Twin Towers stood," explained Wikipedia. The contrast of trees, pools and magnificent architecture brought sadness and joy to our hearts as we entered this museum. A morbid feeling of death surrounded me. Never, did I comprehend that a tribute of such magnitude and purpose; would have such a profound effect on my life 13 days later. My husband Walker, died on June 21st, we visited this museum on June 8th, 2017. I am still encapsulated in a plethora of feelings that will never leave me.

A Brief History of the 911 Memorial Museum

During my research on the history of this museum Wikipedia stated, "On September 11, 2011, a dedication ceremony commemorating the tenth anniversary of the attacks was held at the memorial. It opened to the public the following day; the museum was dedicated on May 15, 2014, and opened on May 21. Three months after its opening, the memorial had been visited by over a million people. In 2012, the 9/11 Tribute Center collaborated with the 9/11 Memorial to offer private tours, which are hosted by family members of victims, first responders, and survivors." Background information was also presented, "Its exhibits include 23,000 images, 10,300 artifacts, nearly 2,000 oral histories of those killed-mostly provided by friends and families-and over 500 hours of video."

At the dedication of the 9/11 Memorial Museum on May 15, 2014, numerous dignitaries attended this event such as former #President Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, along with Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton. Recently, during a ceremony for the museum entitled, Marking the 16th Anniversary of 9/11, featured on ABC World News Now, Vice President Mike Pence expressed these words about the 9/11 victims, "As long as America endures, we will tell their story." Some of the individuals who attended the museum's original dedication acknowledged that "During the five days between its dedication and the public opening, over 42,000 first responders and family members of 9/11 victims visited the museum." The ticket price for entrance to the museum is about $24.

A Powerful Solution To Help Those Who Lost A Loved One

I gained tremendous comfort after the death of my husband and visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. I read this article entitled, Weep With Those Who Weep, a July 2017 publication, page 12, paragraphs 1-3 which stated, "Whether you have personally lost a loved one in death or know someone who is bereaved, you may wonder, 'How can grieving ones be helped to deal with their heartache? Perhaps you have heard it said that time is a great healer. However, does it really follow that time by itself will heal a broken heart?...Yes, like a physical wound, the pain of an emotional wound may gradually ease over time if it is given tender care. What, specifically, can help bereaved individuals heal their painful emotional wounds? Without a doubt, the primary source of consolation is our compassionate heavenly Father, Jehovah.' As 2Corinthians 1:3,4 states, ' Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we received from God." I would like to leave you with these encouraging words which have proven to be my source of strength on a daily basis; along with my faith and trust in Jehovah God as I put appreciate the tremendous sacrifice of his precious son Jesus Christ. Reading and meditating on God's word daily, gives me the visceral realization that we will see our deceased loved one again in the future based on the hope of the resurrection. I look forward to that time in the future to see my husband Walker, again. This is where I find solace and comfort.

l watched the saddest movie on Netflix. It was entitled WORTH. Featured in honor of the 20th year in memory of lthousands of lives lost on September 11th, 2001. Award winning actor Michael Keaton was the main actor within this powerful movie. Keaton played as a pro bono attorney whose name was Ken Feinberg. This character took on the responsibility of deciding what the worth or value should be for each person who was killed on 9/11. The main character was tortured mentally because he had no real clue how difficult this would be.

Attorney Feinberg along with other lawyers took on the responsibility of creating The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Billions of dollars were to be distributed to the victims‘ families. How much each deceased victim was worth caused tremendous pain and suffering because from corporate leaders to janitors were murdered. One woman shared her experience during the process of this fund concerning the death of her husband at the Twin Towers, “We were told because he had suffered about 90% burns over his body. He might not appear to be the same person we know him to be. And then we got a call from the Medical Examiner‘s office saying there was a mix up and we had to make another identification. It turned out, we spent for days at the bedside of a stranger... while Alex.While he died.“ My heart was crying as this widow described her loss.

In the conclusion, “The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was the only fund of its kind in the United States’ history. It ultimately signed on 97% of eligible claimants, distributing over 7 billion dollars in public momey to 5,560 people. Only 94 people declined to participate.”

For more answers and amazing solutions please go to jw.org and review the article “When Will Terrorism End.” I was so encouraged by this inspirational article that gave me peace and hope for the future. Imperfect man continues to prove we cannot rule ourselves but we must depend on our Grand Creator for survival. May we focus on the positive hope based on our Grand Creator and the Bible’s wonderfu hope.