Television and stage actress, Phylicia Rashad directed a reading of the play "Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963", according to ABC News.
The Tony Award-winning personality decided to commemorate a historic moment that helped spur the civil rights movement. The said reading marked the 50th anniversary of the bombing at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.
Four girls were killed in the explosion, which was set by white supremacists and helped spur passage of landmark civil rights legislation. Rashad, who is recognized for her portrayal as the matriarch on "The Cosby Show" TV series and Broadway's "A Raisin in the Sun," said she wanted the reading to emphasize the "sanctity of joy, human existence and the value of all life."
The play was written by Christina Ham and starred students from Howard University and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. Rashad, an alumna of Howard University, said acting and directing are both challenging and rewarding.
In her role as director, Rashad said she works to keep the creative energy in line with the writer's vision, "while leaving room for people to add to the vision in a collaborative effort."
In 2012, Rashad joined NBC's drama pilot of "Do No Harm" which is an updated take on the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde drama that revolves around Jeffrey Kohl, a brilliant neurosurgeon who wrestles with his dangerous alter-ego that threatens to wreak havoc on his personal and professional life.
Rashad played the role of Dr. Vanessa Young, the chief of surgery and Jeffrey's boss. She is joined by other cast members including Alana De La Garza, Mousa Kraish, Michael Esper and Ruda Gedmintas.
