Ms. Seales channels the ancestors in What Would The Ancestors say at the Billie Holiday Theatre.
Brooklyn’s Billie Holiday Theatre was where I ended up to see an unforgettable night of expression exploration and an excavation of empathy by Ms. Seales. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew it for sure wasn’t just entertainment; it was a journey through Black history, a lesson on where we’ve come from, and a call to action on where we must go as a community. Ms. Seales took us through time with wit, insight, and a touch of theatrical magic, serving as the vessel through which our ancestors’ voices spoke I feel.
From the moment the lights dimmed, Ms. Seales’ energy took command of the room. She opened with the sound of a phone ringing, and when she picked it up, it was none other than Harriet Tubman she channeled. The entire theater was transported on a ride through cultural history, the roots of Black resilience, and the hard truths of America’s legacy. With each word, Ms. Seales became a historian, a comedian, a critic, and a teacher. She was on fire, her body and voice embodying the energy of every ancestor who fought, taught, and dreamed.
One of her most striking points was on Clarence Thomas. Ms. Seales questioned how he reached his current position and reflected on how villains are often born from heartbreak. She spoke of the dangers in idolizing Black excellence—a notion she says isn’t a solution but a survival tool. Black excellence, she argued, is often defined by proximity to white standards, yet true excellence is community-centered, committed to Black people, and doesn’t compromise its roots for validation.
Ms. Seales’ storytelling spanned centuries, from the scars of the Civil War to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, reminding us of the endurance of Black people in America. Her deep dive into Juneteenth was especially resonant. She spoke on how the commodification of this sacred day has gone too far, making a point that Juneteenth shouldn’t be a casual celebration but a day of reflection, rest, and even defiance for Black people. “If we’re really honoring it, every Black person should be taking the day off,” she declared.
The passion didn’t end with American history. Ms. Seales drew global parallels, linking the struggles of Black people in the U.S. to those in Sudan, the Congo, and Palestine. She highlighted the exploitation of natural resources and the economic machinations that keep oppressed people in conflict. Her truth-telling extended to American exceptionalism, debunking it as a tool used to silence and sever us from global issues that are, in reality, deeply interconnected with our own.
As the performance went on, Ms. Seales tapped into every side of her artistry. She wasn’t just reciting history; she was conjuring a vision for the future. She embodied different characters with ease, from a hip-hop artist to a father proudly running his own grocery store. She challenged us to consider the ancestors we’re becoming for future generations. “What ancestor am I for those who come after me?” she asked. “What world am I creating for my soul to come back to?”
Ms. Seales stands as a teacher, a thespian, and a guide. Her performance was a reminder that history isn’t just in books—it’s in us. She painted her narrative with humor, intellect, and soul-shaking truths, driving home the message that “class is in session.” This was a gathering of the “Seal Squad,” an audience united in support, solidarity, and awakening.
Ms. Seales took us on a ride through her heart and soul, and the stage at the Billie Holiday Theatre transformed into a portal of imagination, self-reflection, and ancestral honor.
Such an amazing message, received with open hearts here in Brooklyn. As we prepare to vote, this brings reflection to the point of where we currently are. But before you leave this article, let me ask you: What Would The Ancestors say? Follow her for the livestream and join Patreon here & Tix info here.
