The Meeting offers unique perspective of historic leaders

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In honor of Black History Month, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency is sponsoring a production of The Meeting, a fictional account of a conversation between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X Feb. 28. 

“The play has been going around to DTRA locations and has been well accepted in bases around the country and abroad,” said Mrs. Lorna Villacampa, DTRA personnel specialist. 

“This was a vision of an award-winning writer, Jeff Stetson – ‘what if’ these two leaders met? Dr. King and Malcolm X are two most influential leaders of the civil rights movement. Bringing them together creates a very enlightening experience for the audience,” Mrs. Villacampa said. 

The two civil rights leaders were both assassinated -- Malcolm X in 1965 and Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. 

Malcolm X, throughout most of his life, emphasized black pride and black economic independence, while Martin Luther King Jr. promoted racial equality and non-violence. 

“I believe The Meeting is one of the most dramatic and dynamic performances of our time,” said Chaplain [Lt. Col.] Leon Page, 60th Air Mobility Wing chaplain, who plans on attending The Meeting. “The play presents two men who used two different approaches to bring about positive change in America. This play is one of the most informative, inspiring and insightful encounters and exchanges between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X you will find in America today. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see, hear, taste and experience this one.” 

The Meeting will be performed Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. by Pin Points Theater. Admission to the event at the Base Theater is free. 

For more information, call Mrs. Lorna Villacampa at 424-5305.