by Mashari Grissom
Dedicated to uplifting communities through the transformative power of art and storytelling, New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG), New York state’s oldest Black non-profit theater, recently held its 60th Anniversary Gala at the Marian Anderson Theatre at Aaron Davis Hall, City College of New York on Monday, December 16, 2024.
“This Gala is a testament to our enduring commitment to Harlem, the community that has nurtured me my entire life, and a celebration of the transformative power of art to inspire, uplift, and create lasting change.”
- Voza Rivers, Founding Member and Executive Producer, New Heritage Theatre Group
There were also a number of international and local musicians, artists, changemakers, and more. Also announced at the reception is the launch of the vitally important Endowment for the Future, which will help secure the future of NHTG, one of Harlem’s most influential cultural and enduring institutions for generations to come.
A journey that began 60 years ago by the late Roger Furman and founding member Voza Rivers, New Heritage Theatre Group continues to amplify voices of color and nurture the next generation of artists and storytellers. The gala celebrated NHTG leaders Voza Rivers and Jamal Joseph, who joined Mr. Rivers in 1996, for their shared vision in expanding NHTG’s footprint by creating a youth division, Impact Repertory Theater; a film division, New Heritage Films/Harlemwood Film Festival; and a music division, Harlemwood Records.
Rivers stated “As we celebrate this milestone, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that began 60 years ago with my dear friend and co-founder, the late Roger Furman. Together, with an amazing team, we built New Heritage Theatre Group with a vision to amplify voices of color and nurture the next generation of artists and storytellers. This Gala is a testament to our enduring commitment to Harlem, the community that has nurtured me my entire life, and a celebration of the transformative power of art to inspire, uplift, and create lasting change.”
The gala was co-hosted by Phyliss Yvonne Stickney, trailblazing actress, director, and community activist along with Andre Robinson, producer, community-focused real estate developer, and activist.
Gala honorees included Inez E. Dickens, New York State Assembly Member; and Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member. The hosts toasted the honorees by stating, “Your dedication to art, culture, equity, and community resonates deeply with our mission, and your love for people reverberates through your tireless service…we are honored to celebrate your contributions and recognize your profound impact on our community.”
NHTG also announced that Ms. Dickens and Ms. Brewer will be serving as Co-Honorary Chairs of the new NHTG Endowment for the Future.
Using art as a platform for social justice, equality, and empowerment, the musical performances and theatrical presentations throughout the gala mirrored NHTG’s mission by dedicating their art to uplift change.
Performances included Daniel Koa Beaty, award-winning actor, singer, and writer; Impact Repertory Theatre, Oscar- and Grammy-nominated youth art performance training program; Baba Don Babatunde, percussionist; Debra Ann Byrd, Shakespearean actress, producer and co-founder of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival; Craig S. Harris, trombonist and award winning composer; Michael Green, founder, producer, and director; GXLD FVBRK., Hip-Hop collective; Clean Money Music, Hip-Hop producer; Luther “Anubis” Isler, spoken word poet; Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble; Sipho Kunene and Woza Masekela, musicians; Atushi “Toya” Tokuya, composer and arranger; and Baba Obediah Wright’s Balance Dance Theatre.
NHTG has ignited generations of artists and activists from Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Mbongeni Ngema and the Broadway Musical Sarafina!, Impact Repertory Theatre, New Heritage Films, the Harlem Arts Alliance, and beyond.
Photo Credit: Inez Inc. Photography