Bricks Without Straw: Virginia’s Finest

Coming just after Independence Day, Bricks Without Straw: Virginia’s Finest invites audiences to reflect on the deeper meaning of freedom — who fought for it, who sacrificed for it, who preserved it, and who made space for others to walk in it.

Written and performed by award-winning actress, writer, and storyteller Morgan Avery McCoy Harris, this powerful one-woman theatrical presentation brings to life the stories of ten remarkable Virginia women whose courage, creativity, faith, intellect, sacrifice, and resilience helped shape the Commonwealth and the nation.

Rooted in Virginia history and public memory, the presentation honors the lives and legacies of Anne Spencer, Rosel Schewel, Martha Ann Fields, Elizabeth Keckley, Elizabeth Van Lew, Mary Richards Bowser, Maggie Lena Walker, Barbara Johns, Undine Smith Moore, and Dr. Mary Christian. Through a compelling blend of history, performance, and reflection, Morgan portrays women whose lives illuminate themes of freedom, hope, sacrifice, leadership, resistance, innovation, and resilience.

These women were educators, entrepreneurs, artists, organizers, thinkers, visionaries, and trailblazers. Some are widely known; others have not received the recognition they deserve. Together, their stories remind us that freedom is not only declared — it is built, protected, taught, imagined, and carried forward from generation to generation.

This special public presentation is part of Morgan’s Virginia Humanities-supported fellowship project honoring Virginia women who helped transform history through acts of bravery, leadership, service, creativity, and vision. Audiences will experience a moving live performance followed by an opportunity for reflection and conversation.