Bles'd Productions

Over 20 years ago, Dr. Phyllis Tucker-Wicks wanted to introduce her then two-year old niece to her African American history in a unique way. She wanted to ensure that her niece retained as much about her heritage as possible. As a member of the Legacy Preparatory Academy's Board of Directors since 2000, Dr. Tucker-Wicks wrote 50-minute presentations, contacted schools, and took days from work during Black History month to travel the two-man show. 

Ms. Adria Phyllise Johnson, her niece and Avid school teacher today, memorized speeches, learned dances, gymnastics, singing, and has perfected a host of other talents to disseminate the message of African American culture through these informative and entertaining scripts. At the end of each presentation throughout the schools, Dr. Tucker-Wicks would conduct a question and answer session with the students. It was during these sessions that the presentations took a life of its own. Students of all ages would ask how they could become apart of this school district phenomenon, and Dr. Tucker-Wicks would collect names and numbers, contact their parents, and began to write roles for them in the script.

Her identical twin sister, Dr. P. Tucker-Johnson, parent of Ms. Adria Johnson and student mentor coach at Carter G Woodson, joined the group and works in the capacity of stage manager, light technician, costuming, and scheduler. The shows grew so popular that the school district jumped on board and at Dr. Tucker-Wick’s request, issued a letter allowing these dynamic teachers to approach principals for permission to showcase the performances at their schools. This year, 15 schools are scheduled, with a waiting list of four others. The show is extremely popular, informative, and entertaining.

Student participants today include: a Florida State film studies graduate, a Valedictorian senior (6.5) grade point average, home school students, teachers, charter and private school students of all ages.