Willard High graduate who played Milly Sawyers finds passion for 'social change'

For two years, Adora Snead played Milly Sawyers on stage.

The 2020 graduate of Willard High School co-authored the play, the Milly Project, telling the true story of an enslaved woman who successfully fought for her freedom in Greene County only to be dragged into the street and beaten.

"Her story is really incredible because she knew her rights and she knew her worth at a time when it was frowned upon to know your worth as a woman and as a black woman especially," Snead said.

"She just had this story of resilience."

Snead estimates that she has played Milly at least 200 times, originating the role at Willard High School. It was performed in Springfield theaters, on college campuses, in churches, and in Mississippi. 

Along the way, Snead was transformed.

"For me, as a brown woman in Springfield, it gives me a lot of confidence," she said. "It helps me to know that if somebody could do this in the 1830s, I can still persevere and achieve anything I set my mind to today."

What was Springfield like when Milly Sawyers lived here? Experts, records give context

Snead was on the right track, prior to gaining the groundbreaking experience. But, she credited the play with giving her more confidence. "I don't think I'd be where I am today as a performer, as a person, as a thinker, as a musician ... without this show."

At Willard High, she was involved in choir, theater and speech and debate. A leader, she also provided a student voice as Principal Kevin Morrison worked on policy changes and planned for the future.

"When you are trying to get a pulse of the building, see how kids are doing, she is one of the kids you go talk to," he said.

"She smiles all the time. She is always a positive kid. She always wants to get involved."

Morrison said Snead excelled in fine arts and academics. "She has got a good head on her shoulders. She is going to go places, for sure."

CLASS OF 2020:To mark graduation, School of the Ozarks visits homes of 23 seniors

Two years ago, before Snead and her peers wrote the Milly Project, they researched her story. The significant chapter in Springfield history was rediscovered by Connie Yen, the director of the Greene County Archive, and written in a front-page story by former News-Leader reporter Giacomo Bologna.

The Milly Project was enthusiastically received in the Springfield area and beyond. But, there were uncomfortable moments.

"Unfortunately, the message 'Hey, everybody has the same rights and everybody should be loved the same way' isn't something that everyone responds very well to," she said, "Performing in environments that are not as peaceful or where there is some tension forces you to really believe in yourself and to grow as an artist."

TRENDING STORY:Central student, first in family to graduate, refuses to 'take any moment for granted'

Snead sings and plays piano, ukulele and saxophone. She is the daughter of Brad and Amanda Snead.

Her passion for the storytelling project propelled her to apply for the highly competitive music theater program at Missouri State University. She was accepted.

Snead's academic prowess helped her snag the prestigious Presidential Scholarship at MSU, worth up to $60,000 over four years. She recently received the 2020 Springfield NAACP Youth Scholarship.

"It has really, really been a blessing to get involved in civil rights and be an activist for things that are still so important today in a way I think people can really respond to — through art and through song," she said.

 'Experience like no other':Drive-through graduation held for Republic High School seniors

Snead isn't done raising awareness and making a difference. After MSU, she hopes to go to law school and become an attorney with the Equal Justice Initiative.

"I'd love to continue to perform," she said. "I'd love to create art for social change."

Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com and consider supporting vital local journalism by subscribing. Learn more by visiting News-Leader.com/subscribe.