“May you be inspired and uplifted by this production. ” These words, spoken by Karen Dacons-Brock, director of the musical, “Crowns,” were addressed to the audience before the play

The play, written by Regina Taylor, is an adaptation of the 2000 book “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats,” by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry.

“Crowns” isn’t just a play about church hats.

It’s a spiritual journey that explores African American roots and identity by depicting scenes from slavery, the civil rights movement and present-day society.

Yolanda, the youngest character in the play, is sent to live with her grandmother in South Carolina after the murder of her older brother in their hometown of Brooklyn.

While living with her grandmother, Yolanda attends church and meets different women who explain the significance of the hats they wear.

“You can flirt with the fan in your hand, turning it this way and that. You flirt holding a cigarette too, but a woman can really flirt with a hat,” said Jeanette.

The hats are symbolic to the church women for different reasons. The personal anecdotes and gospel hymns associated with their hats help Yolanda in her search for self identity.

In the end, Yolanda matures mentally and spiritually.

She discovers her path in life and learns more about her African ancestry after her baptism.

“The more I studied Africa, the more I see that African American women do very African things without even knowing. Adorning the head is one of those things”, said Yolanda.

“I heard great things about the play when it came to Charlotte; and I love gospel music, so I thought it would be great to bring it here to NCCU,” she said.

Cast members have been practicing since late August.

“We have lots of fun with our characters and I really enjoy the costumes. The play is also inspirational,” said Mavis Poole, senior music and psychology major.