‘Having Our Say’ 
Theater Review by Ashaliegh Carrington 
     The play 'Having Our Say' was a delightful telling of the hidden stories of our nation's most segregated times, captured with love, laughter, and lessons that all members of the family can relate to. The two main characters, Bessie and Sadie Delany, sit us down and join us to celebrate their father's birthday. The women's beautiful narrative lightens up the room as they tell you the story of their lives.
     “I was torn between two issues--colored and women’s rights. But it seemed to me that no matter how much I had to put up with as a woman, the bigger problem was being colored. People looked at me and the first thing they saw was Negro, not woman.” - Bessie Delany. Dialogue such as this kept the audience on their toes, because these issues still compel us.
     The photographs that played in the background allowed the audience members to be transported back in time. The Delany sisters’ costumes gave the audience an indirect characterization of their age even before the characters started speaking. As the story progressed so did the characters, allowing you to feel for them.
     During the intermission, I got to appreciate the beautiful stage. From its hard brick exterior walls to its smoothly painted interior walls, the crew clearly did an amazing amount of work to create the realistic setting of this household. I wasn’t the only one to notice this craftsmanship; in listening to the voices around the theater, I could hear the discussions about the stage.
     As the play continued, I was shocked to see the two women cook a delicious feast! They were using real food that I myself struggle to make during Thanksgiving. The Delany sisters continued the story line and their tale grew darker. Lessons were shared more openly about life and its regrets. These characters were not afraid to get down and tell you that life isn’t a vacation. They encourage the viewer to think about how precious life is and how “having your say” in life isn’t the easiest thing to do. 

The Sound an Echo Can Make 
​Review by Ashaliegh Carrington
     The Elm City Echo is a literary journal filled with tales of modern day perspectives. Some authors prefer to be unknown while others are happy to speak out. The Elm City Echo is a collection of nonfiction pieces collected by the homeless community. The writing gives a sense of the wide array of feelings and thoughts of some of the people who are homeless in New Haven.  
      The journal starts off with stories of people's lives that carry you into a whirlpool of emotions every time you leave an excerpt. I quickly became engaged with each story as if I was reading about a family member.
     The journal brings the community together with stories that connect us as people. The Echo isn't just sad, it's inspiring. It brings a whole new perspective to the stereotypical mindset we have about the homeless.
    I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick read and seeks knowledge about the hidden voice of The Elm City Echo.