Landmark Center Presents a special theatrical event revisiting a historic Civil Rights lawsuit during Black History Month with a special showing for school groups on February 28th at 12:30p.m. School groups can reserve seats by contacting Landmark Center.
In honor of Black History Month, Landmark Center is proud to announce the return of its acclaimed fall production of Little Rock, 1942, with special theatrical performances of this historic law case on February 28, 2025: students-only school performance at 12:30 p.m. and a public performance at 7 p.m. This one-day-only event will take place in Landmark Center’s F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium. It promises to be a moving and thought-provoking day addressing equality and historic inequity. Interested school groups can contact Landmark Center regarding the school performance.
The play, originally performed in October as part of Landmark Center’s annual History Play series, brings to life the true and underrecognized story of Susie Morris (later known as Sue Cowan Williams), a courageous black teacher from Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1941, Morris sued the Little Rock School District for equal pay for black teachers in the district. With the invaluable support of Thurgood Marshall, then a young attorney with the NAACP, Williams won her case in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, situated in the historic Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. This victory directly contributed to the legal groundwork that led to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, challenging the “separate but equal” doctrine prevalent at the time.
The telling of this significant story in American history honors the hardships that Susie Morris endured to ensure that Black teachers were paid equally. She fought for years not knowing if she would win, and her fight continues today through countless other stories of inequality. This play offers a chance for reflection and discussion on how far the United States has come and how much more work needs to be done to fulfill the promises of justice and equality. An audience member from the fall production stated:
The play showcased a Minnesota story that needs to be heard by a wider audience. The excellent writing, acting, directing and producing all contributed to a high-level production.
Little Rock, 1942 is written by Terrance C. Newby and James Lundy, with direction by Chad Snyder, and produced by Landmark Center. The play is brought to life by a talented cast, many of whom are members of the Twin Cities’ legal community, lending a unique authenticity and emotional depth to the performance. Funds for this production were provided in part through a grant from the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation.
Seats for this special performance are limited, so don’t miss your chance to experience this historic drama in the very building where the case was argued. The school group performance will be free, but school groups will still need to reserve their groups seats by contacting Landmark Center at 651.292.3063.
Tickets for the evening performance are available for just $10 and can be purchased online, over the phone at 651-292-3063, or at the door, subject to availability. For more information and to secure your seat, visit landmarkcenter.org/history-play.