NIGERIA JONES

Marcella Cox portrays 16-year-old Nigeria Jones, whose father views her as a warrior princess for his Black nationalist movement. Cox also captures the sadness and confusion Nigeria has felt since her mother left. Cox amplifies these emotions when Nigeria leaves home to attend the largely white private school her mother selected for her--which her father opposes. Cox heightens Nigeria's anger at her father's attempts to control her and her longing for her mother as her world expands and she examines Black identity, misogyny, homophobia, and stereotyping. As Nigeria grows emotionally and she realizes what she wants, Cox's performance especially shines. Though the story includes elements that address the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, it's Cox's depiction of Nigeria listeners will remember. S.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]