Source: FCBDD Communications, May 2023 (view here)
As she stood before an audience that had swelled to more than 400 people, Lattie Harrington realized she wasn’t feeling like her usual happy self. “I thought, ‘Uh-oh, what just happened? It got me,” she said. “I got stage fright. I cried a little bit.”
But the tears didn’t linger, and Harrington soon felt happy and proud to be among the Goodwill Columbus Work and Community Services (WCS) artists taking part in “Hear My Voice: The Goodwill Harmony Sessions.”
The collaborative performance on April 26 featured powerful songs, storytelling, theater and rhythmic movement, along with a display of works by Goodwill Art Studio artists. Goodwill WCS Director Tiffany Martin said WCS has partnered with the nonprofit Harmony Project and We Amplify Voices, plus local storyteller Donte Woods-Spikes, for the past few years to bring inclusive, creative opportunities in the arts to people with developmental disabilities.
“It’s all about giving them experiences they’ve never had,” Martin said with a smile. “Even though she was nervous, Lattie often finds a way to give herself her own solo.”
Seems like you were busy, Lattie. What were your performance areas in the big show?
I was in the choir, in the rap session and in the heartbeat (drama therapy) with Joe.
So maybe your tears were actually happy ones – just lots of emotion all at once.
I got a little scared when that light came on. My mom cried, too.
But once you settled down, did you enjoy it? Are you glad you’ve worked with groups like the Harmony Project and with We Amplify Voices to produce really cool songs?
Oh, yes. I love it! Now I’m on YouTube, Spotify and Apple. I’m a little bit of a star.
Sounds like you’re up for more.
I’ve still got my Harmony t-shirt. I’m going to keep going. I practice all the time.