Events and Happenings
Audra McDonald, India.Arie & More Will Join In Support of Broadway for Black Lives Matter Special Event #BWAY4BLM
*BROADWAY BLACK EXCLUSIVE*
“Get Up, Stand Up. Stand up for your right.”
Bob Marley was on to something when he released “Get Up, Stand Up” in the early 1970s. A phrase that can still be used today, even 40 years later. Black Americans have been fighting the fight for equality for centuries and it’s time for us all to step up and do our part to continue that fight. We all want to live in a society where seven-year-old black girls aren’t killed in their sleep- #AiyanaStanleyJones, where a 17-year-old can walk home with skittles- #TrayvonMartin, where a 12-year-old child can play in the park- #TamirRice — a place where Black Lives Matter.
An overwhelming number of friends and colleagues in the Broadway community have expressed a deep desire to participate in an open dialogue about the social and racial justice issues that are troubling our nation. The event will bring Broadway performers together with policy reformers, educators, clergymen, public officials, and community leaders to discuss a plan of action. The evening will spark conversation and encourage people to discover their roles as active participants in a movement towards positive change.
A group of Broadway community artists, now called the Broadway for Black Lives Matter Collective, immediately responded to the call to action they felt and were able to create Broadway For Black Lives Matter, a special event to present a night of unity and solidarity through artistic expression and conversation. This community event, free and open to the public, will occur on Monday, August 1st, 2016 at Columbia University’s Lerner Hall Roone Arledge Auditorium 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027. Doors open at 8:00pm with the arts & activism showcase beginning at 8:30pm.
Guest appearances include six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, four-time Grammy Award winner India.Arie, Tony Award winners Billy Porter (Shuffle Along, Kinky Boots), Jeanine Tesori (Artistic Director Of NYCC) & Tony Kushner (Angels of America). Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple), Rebecca Naomi Jones (Hedwig & The Angry Inch, Passing Strange), Professor Kendall Thomas (Columbia Law School), Joshua Henry (Shuffle Along), Camille A. Brown (A Streetcar Named Desire), Professor Frank Roberts (NYU), Daniel Beaty, Daniel J. Watts (Hamilton), The Broadway Inspirational Voices, & New York City Center’s cast of THE RUNAWAYS. The evening with consist of performances, Q&As, and discussions of tangible ways in which we can be ACTIVE in our pursuits for change.
Tickets can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis by registering at: BroadwayBlack.com/BWAY4BLM.
Pre-registration does not guarantee you a seat or access to this event. Also, this event will be live-streamed, and there will be photographers and videographers present. By entering the venue, you consent to appear in photos and on video for later use at the discretion of the event organizers and sponsors
We, Broadway Black, a digital platform dedicated to highlighting the achievements of black theatre artists, will livestream the event. Watch here: broadwayblack.com/bway4blm and follow @BroadwayBlack #BWAY4BLM to join in the conversation community and become Agents of Change across the country.
Broadway for Black Lives Matter Collective consists of a group of arts activists involved in the Broadway community. These members include Amber Iman (Shuffle Along, Soul Doctor), Aisha Jackson (Beautiful, Waitress), Mykal Kilgore (Hair, Motown), Britton Smith (After Midnight, Shuffle Along), Douglas Lyons (Book of Mormon, Beautiful), Andrew Shade (Broadway Black Founder), Jacquelyn Bell (Bell Arts Entertainment), and organizations, Broadway Black & The Oneness Project.
All #BWAY4BLM Artwork Created by Terrance Campbell of Tre’club Designs Please feel free to contact Tre’club Designs if you’re looking for an innovative graphic design professional prepared to add experience, and fresh creativity to your projects.