In celebration of Black History Month and Women's History Month, Michelle Nicole Matlock set out to kill stereotypes. On February 29, Matlock's performance of The Mammy Project at SF State brought black female stereotypes centerstage.

"I find (the show) relevant in trying to figure out where we were, how that leads to where we are now, and what steps we need to take in the future," said Jasmine Connor, a senior majoring in Africana Studies, who attended the performance.

Matlock wrote The Mammy Project herself and has been brining her performance to universities for 5 years.

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Matlock was a navy brat who grew up in Tacoma Washington in predominantly all white environments from the time she was 7 until she graduated from the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City. Her
experiences influenced her writing, performing and things she wanted to bring to the stage.

Matlock says she chose to write The Mammy Project because as a child, she was often stereotyped and made fun of for resembling Aunt Jemima. This inspired her to tell the story of Nancy Green, the first African American woman to play the part of Aunt Jemima. Drawing from personal experience, research, and imagination, Matlock brings Green's story to life to end questions about the Mammy as a stereotype,
an icon, and a myth.

"I'd like people to continue discussions about racism, education, and all history," said Matlock. "My biggest thing is that I want people to be able to talk freely about racism in general, to talk to each other so that our existence together in this country can be a little bit easier."