The acclaimed child-led stage production Brown Girls Rising returns to Atlanta for three performances in late January, serving as a cultural cornerstone for the city's Black History Month observances. Written by seven-time NAACP Award-winning writer Dr. Kinnik Sky, the production has been praised by industry professionals as "pure magic" and "far more powerful than expected from a child-led production," creating what many describe as a timely cultural moment for families and communities.
Brown Girls Rising centers the emotional journeys of young Black girls as they discover their voices, challenge expectations, and step confidently into who they are becoming. Through honest performances and authentic storytelling, the production creates space for vulnerability, joy, and self-definition while offering an inspiring experience for audiences of all ages. The show's return to Atlanta, widely known as the Black Mecca, provides a meaningful way to open Black History Month celebrations by inviting audiences to witness the brilliance, vulnerability, and becoming of Black girls through live theatre.
Originally conceived as an industry showcase, Brown Girls Rising quickly evolved after its debut when audience and industry response proved overwhelming. Prominent casting director Leslie M. Green called the experience "pure magic," while film producer Errol Sadler described the show as beautiful and deeply impactful. Atlanta-based casting director George Pierre noted that although each performer was unique, they were powerfully connected through one shared purpose, making audiences "feel something real."
The production features choreography by Atlanta-based creative visionary Dwight Holt Jr., whose emotionally driven movement work adds depth and power to the storytelling. Holt Jr. is the creator of the globally recognized movement Dance Your Pounds Off and has received national attention through appearances on Ellen, The Real, Essence Magazine, and Tamron Hall. Dr. Kinnik Sky, the production's creator, is an award-winning writer, producer, director, actress, and acclaimed acting coach whose stage productions have earned 11 NAACP Theatre Award nominations and 7 wins. She has also served as a trusted on-set acting coach for Disney and ABC and is widely known in Hollywood as "The Child Whisperer."
This production matters because it represents a significant cultural contribution during Black History Month, providing a platform for young Black voices in a city with deep historical significance to the African American community. The show's impact extends beyond entertainment, offering representation and validation for Black girls while educating broader audiences about their experiences. For the theatre industry, Brown Girls Rising demonstrates the power of authentic storytelling and child-led productions, challenging conventional expectations about youth performances. The production's success suggests a growing appetite for narratives that center underrepresented voices and emotional authenticity.
Performances will take place on January 30, January 31, and February 1 in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets and additional information are available at https://www.kinniksky.com.
