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We were here: We Were Here is a play by Clyde A. Wray that brings Black leaders in equality from Saint John back to life. The purpose of the play, which is made up of 10 vignettes delivered by 10 Saint John Black actors, highlights the accomplishments of these New Brunswickers.
We were here
Throughout the history of Saint John, N.B., there were Black residents who defied racist stereotypes and became leaders in the community. But history buried them, and New Brunswick forgot their achievements. Playwright Clyde Wray has brought some of them back to life on stage.
SAINT JOHN, N.B. The stories of eight Black New Brunswickers who made historical impacts, both near and far, will be featured in an upcoming stage production called ‘We Were Here.’ “My goal is simply to allow Saint Johners to be proud of their history,” said playwright and director Clyde Wray. “The history was just buried, it’s there.” Wray has been preparing the production since he was named the Saint John Theatre Company’s artist-in-residence last fall. While the play has faced challenges from an evolving pandemic situation, a three-night virtual presentation has been scheduled for Feb. 25, 26, and 27.
Posted: Feb 09, 2021 9:33 PM AT | Last Updated: February 10
Ralph Thomas, program coordinator of the New Brunswick Black History Society, said it s time Black people got some recognition for their contributions to the city and to the province.(Matthew Bingley/CBC)
When historian Ralph Thomas looks at Saint John, he sees a city whose history is interwoven with the contributions of Black people who helped to build it.
He also sees a city where not a single street, building or highway bears their name.
Thomas, program co-ordinator of the New Brunswick Black History Society, thinks that should change. And on Monday night, Saint John city council took the first steps in that direction.