TESTIMONIALS
Speak 2 my Soul was an amazing show!!! Evita Colon and cast did a beautiful job!!! This shows will always be in my heart,mind and soul!!! Congratulations Evita!!!
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Angel Hunter/ Lancaster, PA
Phenomenal, phenomenal, phenomenal! My cousin and her cast did an amazing, excellent, great job! This production is so inspiring, it made me think about things in my life and how the I love being Black! I love my skin color, my culture, and where we came from. Thank you for a great production!
Mallissa Cole/ Lancaster, PA
WOW!!! The Soul Team did their thing tonight! EXCELLENT SHOW GUYS!!! So rich and packed with knowledge and raw TRUTH about our Black Experience! This message needs to be heard all over the 🌎! Let's promote peace, justice, and love! Speak truth and seek for unity and advancement! I was thoroughly impressed!! WELL DONE!!!
Zikiya Brown (Lancaster, PA)
Speak to My Soul was a great show! I enjoyed every minute of it!!! Thank you!
Tyeisha Brooks (Lancaster, PA)
Aicia Miller (Lancaster, PA)
Tyshana Rosado (Lancaster, PA)
Wow. Proud. Is what I am feeling. For you, Tia and the whole Speak to my Soul cast. I had no idea what I was about to see. I just know it was outstanding. Everything was so well put together kept my attention from beginning to the end. Nonstop. Entertainment Evita Colon and the Soul team well done. I can't wait to what you come up with next. Love ya. Remember when Mya died and I inboxed you and said this is your time she has passed you the torch. I am sooooo proud to say you did not drop it. This your time my love your season. The show was Phenomenal you laughed you cried you danced. But most of all it made you think. I am soooooooooo proud of you. And D.J amazing. I can't wait to see what is next my love. PROUD PROUD PROUD.
Lillian Robinson (Lancaster, PA)
"Leaving a legacy Vita! Fantastic job on every part of the play. I was on the edge of my set the whole time! DEEP!
Jonathan Lee Torres (Lancaster, PA)
I’ve wrote and rewrote this review about 12 times..literally…trying to explain how I…a “white woman” could have been so deeply affected by a play based off the experiences of the African American community. I began to explain that I was born and raised in the hood, that just about all my friends and mentors in life are beautiful, strong, intelligent African American woman or that my son is mixed which means that he is an African American and will one day experience racism that I can only do but so much to protect him from.
But it was far deeper then all this, it was the fact that this play seeped into your conscious, it tugged on your heart strings and it demanded your soul feel the courage, fears, love, pain, faith, strength and overall experience of a people. A people’s whose stories are often times muted or hushed, because truth is, those who write the text books that are used to teach in schools, cannot deal with the reality of the African American plight. They cannot deal with the fact that mothers and fathers still must fear for the safety of their son’s as they walk out of the confines of their homes. They cannot deal with the fact that society has time and time again attempted to take credit for traditions that have been alive and loved in the African American community for centuries. They cannot deal with the fact that despite all the adversities, pain and setbacks that this is a community of people who will not sit down and let their stories be hushed over, that they will be heard. Evita’s dedication and the skill and raw, pure talent of her cast made this into a production that needs to be seen by the masses. It was an honor and blessing just to be an audience member and to be immersed in such and experience! THANK YOU EVITA and CAST!
Stephanie Englert (Pittsburgh, PA)
Yesterday, I felt so many things that I haven't felt in a long time. And what made it even more beautiful was I felt still. I felt proud. I felt honored. I felt favored. And God has truly honored me with people who are going to change the world. I went to Evita Colon's creation. A play entitled Speak to my Soul named after her organization, built to raise awareness and encourage everyone to address social injustice and oppression. And as I watched each performer stand on that stage and speak words with strength and power, I grew more and more emotional. Because I know the walk that she has taken in relentless faith to provide voice to the muted and those who need a bigger mic. A task us artists know well. And she did it with all the strength and power of our ancestors.
Ladi Glory (Baltimore, MD)
I had the opportunity to attend the first showing of Evita Colon's presentation of "Speak to My Soul," last February. Throughout the entire presentation, I was floored by the emotion I felt to a subject I was essentially disconnected from. It was the raw emotion of the performances and the words that were strung together that left me speechless. With the conclusion of the play that night, I knew that such a powerful message would be lost if it only stayed within the walls of the auditorium I sat in.
I invited Evita to bring "Speak to My Soul" to Project Forward Leap this past summer, a nonprofit summer program in which I was the director. This program allows academically sound, middle school aged students from the Lancaster, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Chester areas to experience college life. Several workshops are implemented throughout the program that allow the students to grow physically, emotionally and mentally. One of these workshops was a Breakout Session in Creative Writing/Spoken Word. I knew instantly that Evita's talent would allow these students an experience they deserved.
Within hearing one of her poem's off on Youtube, the students were instantly enthralled and convinced she was a celebrity--boys and girls alike. Her live performance left students yearning for more, wanting to hear another play on "Call of Duty" or not being a "Barbie." But what students left with was much more than a jaw dropping "ohhhhh" to a witty line. They left with a way to help themselves. Evita shared her personal story of how writing became the outlet that allowed her to express herself in a way that did not hold her back--a constant feat that our students struggle with. It was during this time that she encouraged students to explore the world of expressing themselves through writing, whether it be a poem, a rap, a story, or just words on a paper. Several of our students throughout the different programs volunteered to share their writing with her. It was during this time that students were able to connect with her and to see/experience the benefit of her message.
Her mark was evident in the students who commented on her being their favorite guest speaker or how they all obsessively asked to find her online to keep up with her successes. But it really hit me when a student shared with me (two months after finishing her program) during a friendly visit that she was in need of more notebooks after filling all of the ones she had at home. She shared that Evita's story and encouragement showed her a way to express herself in a way that allowed her freedom in a world that is constantly bringing her down."
Meredith Kaitlin (Elizabethtown, PA)
Speak to my Soul Summit was just what the doctor ordered for our youth and their parents. A. Lee Brinson had everyone speechless with the power of his words...the way he intermingled past with present...showing our community how things really haven't changed that much since the "Willie Lynch" theory. He was uplifting and inspiring. The "Speak to my Soul" Team...inspired the youth as well...by engaging them...making them think through their thoughts of themselves...self-love and self-respect...were themes that flowed through every workshop led by a great team. I really enjoyed the positive vibe...ending in a community dance...where everyone ended up out on the dance floor...dancing, laughing, singing and embracing. What a wonderful movement. It's starting...our community is rising up with one mentor at a time.
Terri Durden (Lancaster, PA)
Duchess (Los Angeles , CA)
It is truly inspiring to see such a courageous woman go after what she wants. Evita is a walking testament of God's grace and mercy. Everyone she encounters thrives off the positive energy she exudes. I was drawn to her her light through poetry, and I recognized an essence that others did not have. Instead of being viewed as competition, it was just one artist lending a helping hand, a listening ear, or sending encouragement when social media posts indicated there was a need. I am so happy to have crossed paths with such a gem, and I proudly support Speak to my Soul. Her brand is an extension of her existence; recognizing the uniqueness and beauty of oneself, searching for a deeper meaning within, and helping those externally. She is creating a legacy, something only a true Queen can do. Best wishes to you Evita, and The Soul Team. Peace and Blessings.
"Ms. Evita Colon...congratulations to you and your team. You all definitely spoke to my soul in more ways than one. I am proud of you all! I am impressed by the talent displayed. I am in admiration of your ability to captivate a piece of every single person. I pray nothing but greatness for all of you! SPEAK TO MY SOUL TEAM...THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR AWESOME SAUCENESS!!" ‪#MySoulIsWideAwake
Speak to My Soul was so inspiring tonight. The energy from the poets, singers,rappers dancers and the musicians was infectious. Evita Colon did a wonderful job bringing her vision to life. It was nice surprise to see that I had 4 family members participating, and several good friends. If you didn't see it you missed something great, but judging by the packed house you were probably there.