On Friday, May 1, the Renaissance Foundation will present No Fear For Freedom, The Musical. This theatrical presentation is the story of The Friendship 9, a group of young students from Rock Hill, South Carolina, who went to jail after staging a sit-in at a segregated McCrory’s lunch counter in 1961. The theatrical event is in honor of former Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, Ernest A. Finney, who was the defense attorney for The Friendship 9.

No Fear For Freedom, The Musical, is adapted from the children’s book written by Mrs. Kimberly P. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson, author, playwright, and composer, and Mr. Bruce McKagan, lyricist, retell the 1961 story of nine brave young men who stood up for justice and equality. The premise of their campaign of Jail, No Bail! helped shift the civil rights movement into a new call for equality and human justice. This riveting story takes the audience back to a time when injustices were the norm and freedom was the plea. Don’t miss this powerful performance full of original songs and messages that prove nonviolence can create change! The Friendship 9 finally received their justice when they re-entered the courtroom on January 28, 2015 to have their records vacated after 54 years. Their original defense attorney, Retired Chief Justice Ernest A. Finney, Jr., was at their side once again.