Original Cast Of ‘Hamilton’ Reunites Virtually In Support of Organizations Eradicating Racism

Hamilton star Okieriete “Oak” Onaodowan has taken Alexander Hamilton’s words “I am not throwin’ away my shot” to heart.

On Saturday, August 15, Onaodowan and Morgan Marcell will reunite the original Broadway cast for the musical’s popular Ham4Change performances in an effort to help fund organizations dedicated to ending systemic racism. The virtual event, which begins at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET and available on Looped, features exclusive behind-the-scenes, trivia, interactive games, prizes, and never-before-seen original content shared by the cast. Proceeds will benefit Know Your Rights Camp, African American Policy Forum (AAPF), and Black AIDS Institute.

Onaodowan, who originated Hamilton roles Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, shared this with ESSENCE. “It is vital for everyone to exercise the right to vote and speak out against this administration and any government official that doesn’t acknowledge or pledge to eradicate systematic racism and oppression of Black and Brown people.”

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#HAM4Change Episode 2 is this Sunday!! A huge thank you to everyone who attendwd the first and got there 1 on 1 meet and greet on!We had an amazing show and raised over $76,000 for @leapaction @_beamorg @whenweallvote!!! 2 MORE TO GO!! So keep sending in your Hamilton costume submissions to @achapphawk!! And make sure you gdt a ticket for THIS SUNDAY!! Its a good one yall!! We raising money for @colorofchange @untilfreedom & @dance4hopeinc!! We are trying to raise at leazt $100,000 this Sunday, August 9th. Join us! Lets create the change we wish to see in the world. We cant do it alone. $10, every dollar goes to the charities mentioned. Every dollar. Thank you to the @loopedlive foe donating their time, and caring as much as we do about making a difference in this world!!! $10, add your drop.Link in bio!! Aaaaaaaandddddd…. REGISTER TO VOTE THIS NOVEMBER!!#MyNameIsOak #WeAreTheChange #WeCanWeCanWeCan #VoteVoteVote #Ham4Change

A post shared by TheIncredibleOak (@oaksmash) on Aug 5, 2020 at 5:47am PDT

He continued: “Our democracy theoretically only works if we do so. Now is the time to shout out against systematic racism so all others know their cries for change are not alone.”

Since August 1, Onaodowan and Marcell have gathered several cast members in taking a stance for justice. Today’s final Ham4Change virtual event is its largest reunion; it will feature Onaodowan with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, Anthony Ramos, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Javier Muñoz, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Ephraim Sykes, Austin Smith, Hope Easterbrook, Neil Haskell, Thayne Jasperson, Seth Stewart, Sasha Hutchings, Betsy Struxness, Carleigh Bettiol, Alysha Deslorieux, Voltaire Wade-Greene, Elizabeth Judd Salinas, Ariana DeBose, with special guests Hamilton musical and film director Thomas Kail and associate choreographer Stephanie Klemons.

Past Ham4Change events have benefited BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), LEAP (Law Enforcement Accountability Project), When We All Vote, Until Freedom, Color of Change and Dance 4 Hope.

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