Dandridge tells of her life in words, song

As the sounds of the soulful hum of the song, “Hush, Hush, Somebody’s Calling My Name,” filled Seymour Gym, Juanita Dandridge, prepared the audience for a journey of her life through song, dramatic interpretation, and poetry.
“I wanted to bring people back to a time when family meant so much,” said Dandridge.
Dandridge, dramatist, author, and motivational speaker spoke before the university community at SU’s “Tribute to the Black Woman” sponsored by the Association of Women Students.
Author of Crawdads, Persimmons and Wildplums: Things I want My Grandchildren to Know,” Dandridge performed a moving dramatic presentation on Leontyne Price. She was accompanied by music major Ebony Venton.
“I was inspired and moved by her performance,” said Beverly Wade, dean of the Honor’s College.
Dandridge said her teachers in high school encouraged her to pursue speech theater and writing. As a result, she won a state competition in dramatic and interpretative reading.
“As a college student, this is the time to develop your skills and find your true passion,” said Dandridge.
Dandridge graduated from Grambling College (present day Grambling State University), and taught elementary school for several years.
“It has been God’s guiding with family, friends, and well-wishers hands that have helped me to grow and command the audience that I now enjoy,” said Dandridge.