We at Village Theatre want to recognize and honor the lives represented on stage in our production of Songs for a New World. The photos that we feature during “The Flagmaker” represent a small handful of the lives lost to gun violence and police brutality in America. We honor the mothers and their children and ask that you #saytheirnames. Learn more about their lives, and how to support their families and communities below.

Allison Jean pictured here with her son, Botham.
(Photo Credit Allison Jean)
Allison Jean, Mother of Botham Jean (26)
Botham “Bo” Shem Jean, born in Castries, Saint Lucia was the middle child to Allison and Betram Jean.
Those who knew him would readily describe him as a singer, a preacher, a leader and “the light in a dark room”.
To hear Allison speak to her son’s legacy and her hopes for the future in her own words, you can read more by visiting https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/botham-jeans-mother-time-black-person-killed-police/story?id=71668031
Botham’s previous employer Price Waterhouse Cooper and his alma mater, Harding University, established a scholarship program in his honor, which awards four global majority students pursuing a degree from the College of Business with $5000 dollars each. Donation can be made to the Botham Jean PwC Charitable Foundation Endowed Scholarship at https://www.harding.edu/give/botham-scholarships
His family created the Botham Jean Foundation, promoting social change while keeping in line with Botham’s Christian faith. You can learn more about this organization at https://bothamjeanfoundation.org/mission/. Donations can be made at https://bothamjeanfoundation.org/donate/

Michael Brown in cap and gown, on March 4, 2014. (Photo Credit Elcardo Anthony)
Lesley McSpadden – Head, Mother of Michael Brown Jr. (18)
Michael Orlandus Darrion Brown Jr., also known as “Mike Mike” by family and friends, was born in Florissant, Missouri to Lesley McSpadden-Head and Michael Brown Sr. He was a recent graduate from Normandy High School, and an aspiring rapper under the name “Big Mike”.
Teachers described Brown as a “gentle giant,” while friends described him as a quiet person with a wicked sense of humor and a love for music.
Michael Brown was the eldest of his surviving siblings, and McSpadden-Head said he “adored” his brother and three sisters.
Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden-Head, now serves as the president of The Michael O.D. Brown We Love Our Sons & Daughters Foundation, an organization built in memory of Brown, dedicated to intersectional systemic change. Learn more about this organization at https://michaelodbrown.org/
Within this foundation, McSpadden-Head holds an annual gathering called the Rainbow of Mothers, which focuses on the mental health and well-being of mothers whose children have died prematurely as a result of police and gun violence.
You can read more about her story in her own words by reading her book, Tell the Truth & Shame the Devil: The Life, Legacy, and Love of My Son Michael Brown, written by Lezley McSpadden.
Katie Wright, Mother to Daunte Wright (20)
Daunte Wright, was the son of Aubrey and Katie Wright, and dedicated father to Daunte Jr.
Voted as the class clown, friends and family remember Wright for his smile and joyous demeanor. “…He couldn’t wait to make his son proud,” said Wright’s mother. “Junior was the joy of his life, and he lived for him every single day”
Emajay Driver, a friend, says Wright “loved to make people laugh.”
“My brother was the most delightful person you could have met,” said Wright’s sister, Destiny. “He was good man. He was a good young man in the making,” said Aubrey Wright, Daunte’s father.
You can donate directly to Daunte Wright’s verified gofundme at https://www.gofundme.com/f/dauntewright
Please consider donating to the following organizations in Wright’s name:

Andre Hill provided photo
Andre Hill (47)
Andre Hill was a father and grandfather- known to friends as “Dre”, and “Big Daddy” to his three grandchildren- who dreamed of owning his own restaurant.
Loved ones remember Hill as an optimistic man deeply devoted to his family and passionate about cooking. He specialized in soul food, but enjoyed experimenting in many styles of cuisine.
“That was his passion right there, cooking,” says Michael Henry, a high school classmate and eventual roommate.
Hill was a family man, and was active in keeping in contact with his family. “He’s the one to make that call—‘You get over here right now. I’m cooking dinner. Let’s go,’” said his sister Michelle Hairston.
You can learn more about Andre Hill by visiting:

Alton Sterling, 37, above with his girlfriend and children, was shot several times in the chest last July by two police officers
Alton Sterling (37)
Alton Sterling was a son, a brother, and a father of five children. Alton had been living in a shelter at the Living Waters Outreach Ministries in Baton Rouge before his death. He was known by residents as someone who loved to cook for everyone at the shelter.
Actor, Writer, and Producer Issa Rae started the #AltonSterlingFamily Scholarship in Sterling’s honor in order to support his family. Donations have officially closed at this time.
Learn more about Alton Sterling by visiting:

Rayshard Brooks, a father of three daughters and a stepson (Photo Courtesy of Stewart Trial Attorneys)
Rayshard Brooks (27)
Rayshard Brooks was a 27-year-old husband and doting father. While married to Tomika Miller for eight years, they raised three children: Blessing, 8, Memory, 2, and Dream, 1. Brooks also had a 13-year-old stepson, Mekai.
His loved ones called him a “girl dad.”
Rayshard’s family shared he was an outstanding person, outgoing and always kind. His co-workers shared that he was loyal, his laugh was infectious, and his smile would encapsulate his entire face.
“He was an amazing individual. He took care of his family and friends,” former employer Ambrea Mikolajczyk said.
His wife said of him, “He believed in peace. He believed in love. He was a beautiful spirit.”
You can donate to Rayshard Brook’s official gofundme by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/official-gofundme-for-rayshard-brooks
Donate to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund in his honor by visiting https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/contribute-to-the-atlanta-solidarity-fund
You can learn more about Rayshard Brooks by visiting https://www.saytheirnamesmemorials.com/rayshard-brooks
For additional resources and information we have provided the following sites: