Lynda Blackmon overjoyed to watch Broadway Musical based on her life
Published 8:12 am Wednesday, March 9, 2022
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Tears ran down the face of Lynda Blackmon Lowery as she watched the Broadway musical based on her life.
“Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom” is a true story about Lowery the youngest person to walk all the way from Selma to Montgomery, on the Voting Rights March in 1965.
The broadway musical was seen virtually last weekend during the 57th annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee.
The musical is based on a book written by Lowery in 2015 about being jailed nine times before turning 15. Lowery fought with friends and neighbors alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fighting the right to vote for African Americans.
Actress Ally Sheedy, best known for her role in The Breakfast Club, adapted Lowery’s book for the stage.
Lowery, Miranda Barry, Amy Sprecher, Voza Rivers and the New Heritage Theatre Group are the play’s producers.
“This is surreal,” Lowery said in a cracked voice. “For the book to be adapted into a musical, it’s beautiful. The cast has been amazing.”
Barry said JoAnn Bland, also an historic foot soldier, encouraged a book be written about Lowery.
The musical was funded by the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. Selma in partnership with the city of Selma, National Park Service Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail Salute Selma Inc. and Friends of the Trial.
Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. attended the musical and praised Lowery’s heart and determination to overcome adversity.