Mary Pat Hector has been on the AAPEX radar since she was just a little kid. Now, as a teenager, she's receiving the McDonald's 365 Black Award for her work promoting teen anti-violence through the National Action Network where she serves as the National Youth Director-- which is way cool since she's being honored with the likes of Bishop TD Jakes and Chaka Khan among others. The awards celebrate "outstanding individuals who give back 365 days-a-year impressively and are deeply rooted in the community" To learn more about her, please click the first link above for her video interview.
I just want to share with y'all an email from the newest writer to link in to the AAPEX network, Mary-Pat Hector-Nesbit of Atlanta, Georgia, is just 10-years-old but her 90 minute play EASY STREET AIN'T SO EASY will be produced in Atlanta on January 12.
The back story to this play is really kind of profound: some time ago, Mary-Pat went to her mother and asked what she should do if she knew that one of her friends was in trouble. She would not reveal what the problem was, but her mom told her to go on the Internet and see what she could learn about the issue. As a result of her action, one of her peers who was being molested was removed to a safe house and then Mary-Pat sat down and wrote this play about a variety of serious issues affecting her peers.
Somehow the script came to the attention of an Atlanta film maker, Bobby Peoples, whose production company has supported this young author in bringing her work to the stage. You can watch the trailer here:
This is Mary-Pat's email to me after my conversation with her mother:
Hi ,
My name is Mary-Pat and I was so happy when my mommy asked me to read her email . I would be so happy to be apart of your group. It has been so hard for me, being ten and trying to do something for my community and to not have so many adults not listen to me. My mommy taught me to never give up and that is why my play is so important because it teaches kids you do not have to wait to be great. The reason I wrote my play was my best friend was cutting herself because she could not trust anyone to listen to her-- if only you could have seen her arm and legs. If you could help me spread the word about my play then maybe I could do this project in other towns. I know kids will listen to other kids .Well it is well past my bed time but my mommy said I could email you before I went to sleep. She said she was calling you tomorrow.
Bye. Keep reaching for the stars as I am.
MP
Welcome to AAPEX, Mary-Pat. I hope those reading this post will want to get involved in one way or another by bringing your important work to their communities. If you would like to be a part of this wonderful project in any way please call 678-508-7163.
