IN CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS AND TWO LEGENDARY DANCE TROUPES: ALVIN AILEY DANCE THEATRE AND THE DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM.

Judith Jamison: Former Director

Alvin Ailey: Founder

Alvin Ailey Dancers: Revelations

Robert Battle:  Director

Alicia Graf Mack: Co-Director

Arthur Mitchell:  Founder

Virginia Johnson:  Director

The Dance Theatre of Harlem

There are very few dance troupes in my opinion that inspires, energizes and nourishes the soul of the human family like the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre.  The group was created and catapulted into the ages by the founder Alvin Ailey and excellently maintained under three successive leaders. Judith Jamison took over after his death and the group continues to mesmerize audiences under the guidance of Robert Battle and Alicia Mack.

The Dance Theatre of Harlem, founded by Arthur Mitchell is another dance troupe of that caliber. There was a recent television interview with Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director of The Dance Theatre of Harlem advising the world that they were back in operation. She and the dance troupe were also featured in a Good Black News article which provided information on their unfortunate leave from the public for nine years and their journey to resurrect the company.  

An acknowledgment of these phenomenal cultural giants is what this post is all about!


"We must display and be the beauty, righteousness and love of our culture."  (Robert Dickerson)

THE CURRENT CHALLENGES OF GUN VIOLENCE BECOMES PART OF THE COMMEMORATION ON THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF MLK'S ASSASSINATION

Photo credit: praisecharlotte.com

The adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" certainly applies to the above image. In its complexity; his daughter, Rev. Bernice King was 5 years old when her father was assassinated. One can only speculate that she is experiencing some sense of comfort as she leans on this stone edifice of his likeness.  I can't help but wonder if his compassion for the marginalized and fairness he advocated for all groups would have softened the hard line and restricted viewpoint she espouses--had he lived. There is concern on my part regarding her previous actions.  I  remember how she treated many of those who fought along with her father and supported their family after his death to accommodate the George Bush regime at her mother's funeral.  Her closed door policy towards the LGBT community also comes to mind.  However, the captured poignancy of this moment reveals the very personal loss his surviving offspring have endured over the past 45 years.

The King Center has an array of activities to mark this anniversary as well as other civic and religious organizations around the country. As we celebrated his birthday in January; we will, again, reflect on the amazing events that transpired as a result of his untimely death and embark on greater challenges.  On April 4th, 2013, the King Center will sponsor "The 50 Days of Nonviolence" campaign.  The focus will be on the exacerbation of gun violence and the loss of innocent lives and how to effectively resist intransigent gun lobbyists/legislation and to change and ultimately resolve this menacing trend.  The struggle continues!