HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE

MINUTES – Monday, Monday, January 5, 2009

THEATRE OF RIVERSIDE CHURCH

The Chair welcomed the members, visitors, and guests. The HAA Executive team introduced themselves:

Voza Rivers (Chair) and Michael Unthank (Executive Director). The Chair then invited everyone to

introduce themselves and identify their organizations and affiliations.

Executive Director’s Report (Michael Unthank)

Mr. Unthank welcomed the members and applauded the contributions and longtime commitment of

founding members Garland Lee Thompson and Natsu Ifill. He recognized Jewel Kinch-Thomas

(Executive Director, The Riverside Theater), Russell Jennings (Assistant Director, The Riverside Theater), and HAA team members Bernard Bennett, Celia Calvo (HAA Administrative

Coordinator), Flo Wiley, Aleathia Brown (Cultural Collective Curator), and Lindie Nourse

(Recording Secretary). He bid farewell to former Program Director, Nicole Franklin, and expressed gratitude to all of the members whose commitment and passion are evident and who keep HAA

vibrant and moving forward.

A brochure outlining HAA services and the new membership fee structure is available. The HAA

website continues to be enhanced to give members a better voice and to better promote members’ events. Once the upgrade is complete, members will have access to resources, jobs, skills banks,

online purchasing, online joining/renewing membership and much more. HAA membership card

holders will be entitled to discounts with participating vendors.

HAA is moving forward despite the challenges caused by the deteriorating economy. The New York

State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) is no longer funding HAA and the Department of Cultural

Affairs (DCA) is reducing its funding. Mr. Unthank expressed gratitude to HAA Chairman, Voza

Rivers and the HAA Board of Directors for providing much-needed financial support to keep HAA

focused and moving forward while trying to identify new funding sources and new ways to work.

More partnerships are needed; members need to work more closely with each other. The focus of the

next few meetings will be on finding more ways to work together.

A new cycle of grants can be expected from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ).

Please note that, as a 501(c) 3 organization, HAA is funded by public and private sources. There is no

application fee for HAA grants programs and all HAA information is published on our website (www.harlemaa.org). Beware of anyone asking for an application fee.

Previous grant program agreements will be made public in the coming weeks, and a reception will be

held for the award recipients.

HAA advocates for the arts in a variety of ways on a year round basis. One of the ways is by meeting with elected officials on their premises to make a strong case for state funding to the arts. Members

are invited to participate in the process by attending ARTS DAY in Albany on Tuesday, February 3.

Details are available through the HAA Cultural Calendar and Daily Digest and on the HAA website.

The HAA Board of Directors wishes to kick of the New Year with a members’ reception to be held

on January 26. Details will soon be available through the HAA Cultural Calendar and Daily Digest

and on the HAA website.

HAA has formed a partnership with the 125th

Street Business Improvement District (BID) for a

banner design competition aimed at branding the cultural identity of Harlem. The deadline for submissions is February 9, and the winning pieces will be on display in March. Winning artists will

receive a $1,000 award. Requests for design proposals are available at today’s meeting and at

www.harlemaa.org.

The 2009 HAA Artists Development Workshop series begins tonight and continues into April. Member Aleathia Brown facilitates the workshops which offer assistance in such areas as

technology, grant writing, marketing, and more. Member photographer, Hubert Williams, will be on

hand to photograph artists and their work. Contact Administrative Coordinator, Celia Calvo, to RSVP.

HAA is joining forces with the Black Documentary Collective (BDC) and Men’s Ministry at

Abyssinian to present HD101 panel at Abyssinian Baptist Church (132 West 138th Street btw Lenox

Ave & Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd). As of February 2009, all homes and commercial businesses

will be mandated by law to convert TV and radio signals to a digital transmission. This panel,

moderated by member filmmaker, Nicole Franklin, will include media professionals and digital

artists to answer questions about High Definition.

Guests Adrienne Jones, Roni Wheeler, and Ron West provided details about the panel discussion.

Ms. Wheeler outlined the background and history of the BDC. Ms. Jones (Adriennemjns@aol.com)

added that BDC (PO Box 610, New York, NY 10031) is involved with anything to do with film. Mr. West, co-Chair of the Men’s Ministry at Abyssinian, pledged that Abyssinian Baptist Church will

join HAA. He added that BDC and the Men’s Ministry will be looking for feedback following the

HD101 program.

Mr. West announced that Rev. Calvin O. Butts of Abyssinian Baptist Church will conduct a

memorial service for noted jazz trumpeter, Freddie Hubbard (1938–2009) on January 10 at 1 p.m.

Percussionist and spoken word artist, Walter Bridgers, is also a psychotherapist at the Harlem Vet

Center (2279 Third Ave, 2nd

Fl @ East 124th St) serving Harlem veterans. The Harlem Vet Center

provides individual, group, and family counseling; alcohol and drug assessment and referral or

counseling; benefits assistance and referral; employment counseling and guidance; HIV/AIDS support

and counseling, among many other services. Mr. Bridgers urged the members to support the Harlem Vet Center as well as ArtVets, rehabilitation through art program for veterans inspired by member Jeremiah

Kyle Drake. For more information, contact the Harlem Vet Center at 212.426.2200.

Aleathia’s Report

HAA member and Curator of the Cultural Collective, Aleathia Brown, presented the artwork on display by HAA members and introduced the artists.

By Aubu Clark, Ancestral Spirits, mixed media,

By Jeremiah Kyle Drake, The Harm We Do to One Another, collage;

By Obatola Grant, Contemplating Gentrification, photograph;

By Valerie Kirk, The White Canvas, mixed media;

By Aleathia Brown, Folks at the Café, a live art piece.

Ms. Brown expressed gratitude to all of the artists, vendors, and volunteers who participated in the

Kwanzaa celebration at the American Museum of Natural History (December 28, 2008). The feedback was extremely positive. She underscored the importance of collaborations among members.

HAA members Emmet Wigglesworth, Diane Davis, Al Johnson, Charly Palmer, and Aleathia Brown

will be among the exhibitors at the 2009 National Black Fine Arts Show (7 West 34th St @ 5

th Ave) from

February 13–15. An opening charity preview will be held on February 12, to benefit member organization, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. See

www.nationalblackfineartshow.com for details.

The Artist Development Workshops are open to all artists, not only visual artists. Tonight’s workshop focuses on fundraising. Member photographer Hubert Williams (Images of Us) will be available to take

headshots as well as photographs of artists’ work for display on individual websites. Ms. Brown has a

space at member organization, Chashama, which she will make available to members who wish to facilitate their own workshops. To learn more about Ms. Brown’s programs and exhibits, email

aleathiab@msn.com.

Member Evern Gillard Randolph, described the inspiration and background of Grandparents around

the World Productions Inc. (GATWPI), the organization she founded in honor of her grandmother, Estell Gillard. GATWPI produces four projects annually: Grandparents Ball (around Father’s Day),

Grandparents Walk-A-Thon & Health Fair (September), Gift of Giving (Christmas toy giveaway), and the

Grandparents Intergenerational Fashion Show. Ms. Gillard Randolph is also the author of Dinner at Grandma’s, a play whose success has led to an invitation to present the play at the Black Spectrum

Theatre (177 Street and Baisley Blvd., Jamaica, NY) this February for Black History Month. This event

is a fundraiser and the support of HAA members will be greatly appreciated. See www.gatw.org and contact Ms. Gillard Randolph at info@gatw.org (or 347.366.4800) for tickets and information.

Member Marcia Pendelton, President of Walk Tall Girl Productions, described The Love Project, a multi

disciplinary and interactive cabaret piece exploring love in a world at war. “Part house party, part TV talk

show,” The Love Project, written by Pearl Cleage and starring Rhodessa Jones and Idris Ackamoor, is presented by La MaMa E.T.C. (74A East 4

th St) for 8 performances only, beginning January 29. See

www.walktallgirlproductions.com and www.culturalodyssey.org for details.

Ms. Pendelton introduced member Michael Green, star of Camp Logan and The Meeting. Mr. Green described The Meeting, a play depicting a fictitious secret meeting between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr., presented by Voza Rivers and member organization, New Heritage Theatre Group at

member organization, The Malcolm X & Betty Shabazz Memorial Educational & Cultural Center

from January 15–19 (3940 Broadway @ 165th St). HAA members can buy tickets at the discounted price

of $20. Visit www.shadesoftruththeatre.com or contact MarciaPendelton@aol.com for tickets and details.

Member Natalie Clarke, Senior Account Executive and Project Manager at member organization,

Walker International Communications Group (WICG), informed the members about:

a new book entitled Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist, from Café Society to

Hollywood to HUAC by Karen Chilton;

Open House Series performance (January 11): Dance Theatre of Harlem Presents Living The Dream-Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, featuring member organization Dance Theatre of Harlem

(DTH), and co-hosted by DTH Founder and Artistic Director, Arthur Mitchell, and Voza Rivers,

Producer, New Heritage Theatre Group. Special guests will include member organization/Academy

Award nominees, IMPACT Repertory Theatre. Everett Center for the Performing Arts (466 West

152nd

St, btw Amsterdam & St. Nicholas Aves). See www.dancetheatreofharlem.org for details.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances in Brooklyn during the months of May and

June. See www.alvinailey.org for tickets and information.

New York City Opera and member organization, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black

Culture (515 Malcolm X Blvd @ 135th St) collaborate to present I’m on my Way: Black History at

New York City Opera in a celebration of City Opera’s Black History, beginning on January 28.

Consult the “Programs Calendar” at www.nypl.org for details.

Member organization, Take Wing and Soar Productions, presents Shakespeare’s King Lear in February, as part of its 5

th Annual Classical Lab Reading Series. Readings, followed by question and

answer periods, are held at member organization, The National Black Theatre (2031 Fifth Ave @

125th St). See www.takewingandsoar.org for details.

Feel free to contact Ms. Clarke at WICG (718.703.2260, nc.wicg@gmail.com) for details about these and

other upcoming events.

Cultural Report (Kojo Adé)

January 18 (and every Sunday during Black History Month): Well-known actor, Lou Meyers, appears at Windows over Harlem in the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building (163 West

125th St & Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd). Call 212.252.5441 for information.

January 31: Presented by World Music Institute (www.worldmusicinstitute.org), Ladysmith Black

Mambazo, in a performance dedicated to the late “Mother Africa,” Miriam Makeba, at Town Hall

(123 West 43rd

St).

February 10–15: Noted choreographer, Ronald K. Brown and his dance company, Evidence, will be in performance at the Joyce Theater (www.joyce.org) (175 Eighth Ave @ 19

th St).

March 4–23: Legendary opera singer, Jessye Norman, is the curator of A Celebration of the Africa

American Cultural Legacy. Presented by Carnegie Hall, this series of concerts, recitals, lectures,

panel discussions, and exhibitions features such luminaries as Ray Chew, Cassandra Wilson, Dee

Dee Bridgewater, Imani Winds, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and many more. Partner venues include

member organizations, Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage at Aaron Davis Hall/The City College of

New York, and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Anna Glass, Managing Director of member organization, 651 Arts (www.651arts.org) (651 Fulton St.,

Brooklyn), is celebrating the organization’s 20th

anniversary by offering a pair of free tickets to a

performance to the first member to join or renew their HAA membership.

The Chair proudly introduced the Tocho Swing Beats, an all-star Japanese jazz band brought to us by member organizations Overseas Productions and New Heritage Theatre Group in collaboration with

The City College of New York. As part of their 60th anniversary celebration, the Tocho Swing Beats

performed with member organization National Jazz Museum in Harlem Jazz Orchestra in a “Jazz for Peace” concert at member organization Aaron Davis Hall on January 3. Their performance at today’s

meeting was a rousing success and a fitting ending for the first meeting of 2009.

Thank you for reading and responding to our HAA Cultural Calendar (“Daily Digest”). Be sure to visit

our website (www.harlemaa.org) often for news and information.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 2, 2009, from 10 a.m. till 12 noon at The Riverside

Theatre, 91 Claremont Avenue (122nd

– 120th Street, one block west of Broadway).

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR HAA MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS: $25, ORGANIZATIONS: $75–$100

THANK YOU.

HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE

MINUTES – Monday, Monday, February 2, 2009

THEATRE OF RIVERSIDE CHURCH

The Chair welcomed the members, visitors, and guests. The HAA Executive team introduced themselves:

Voza Rivers (Chair), Michael Unthank (Executive Director), and Averlyn Archer (Program Director).

The Chair then invited everyone to introduce themselves and identify their organizations and affiliations.

Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., retired Senior Minister of member organization The Riverside Church,

opened the meeting with a powerful reminder that “who we are and what we do is a celebration of life in

our community,” and “we need to encourage and support each other in order to survive in these difficult

days.” He extended an invitation to a “Healing the Nation” concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of

The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble (www.theebonyee.com), founded and directed by Rev. Forbes’ wife,

Bettye F. Forbes. The concert will be held in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Rose Theater (Broadway @ 60th

St) on Saturday, February 28 (7:30 p.m.) as part of its Black History Month event. See www.jalc.org for details.

In his capacity as President of member organization National Conference of Artists (NCAnewyork),

member Kwame Brathwaite announced that NCAnewyork, the “oldest continuously operating organization of African, African-American and Caribbean artists,” is celebrating their golden anniversary,

marking 50 years of promoting, preserving and developing Black art and artists, with a four-day

conference at three separate locations: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, member organization The

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Association of Community-Based Artists of Westchester (AC-BAW) gallery (February 12–15). The kick-off on February 12 focuses on youth art

programs, beginning at the Harriet Tubman Monument (122nd

St @ St. Nicholas). The Black Art History

Makers Conference, Awards & Exhibitions, honoring five outstanding contributors to Black art and culture will be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Ave @ 82

nd St) on February 13.

Special “Golden Legacy” Awards will be presented to NCA founder, 91-year-old (and still very active)

Dr. Margaret Burroughs (who also founded Chicago’s DuSable Museum and the African American Museums Association, an association of more than 60 Black Museums), and David C. Driskell, world

renowned art historian, artist and educator, in whose name the University of Maryland established The

David C. Driskell Center for the Study of the African Diaspora. Admission to all events is free. Contact

Mr. Brathwaite at 212.410.7892 for details.

Member and HAA Community Arts Fund grant recipient, John Pinder, provides community cultural

art events for youths and adults as Events Coordinator at member organization, FreshStart-Cultural

Theatre Arts Productions, Inc. (FreshStart). Among other entertainments, FreshStart (founded in 2003, now a 501(c)3 organization) produces bi-monthly cultural art events for adult homeless men and women

in need of cultural art activities. Mr. Pinder advocates tirelessly for the homeless, and there are many

homeless people who are artists themselves who wish to be more exposed to the arts. FreshStart

programming includes open mic events at Windows over Harlem (State Office Building, ACP Jr. Blvd @ 125

th St). Learn more at jpinder@freshstartctaproductions.org (718.716.4299).

Brad Learmonth, Director of Programming at member organization, Harlem Stage, detailed the new

programming beginning this week. February performances include Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters,

presented by member organization, Classical Theater of Harlem; Breaking Ground with Bill T. Jones;

and In Search of the Lost Riddim: Jamaican Jazz Fusion co-presented with Columbia/Harlem Jazz Project. There will be panel discussions featuring African-American artists. Admission prices are

discounted for HAA members. See www.harlemstage.org or contact Mr. Learmonth at

blearmonth@harlemstage.org (212.281.9240) for details.

Executive Director’s Report (Michael Unthank)

Mr. Unthank is proud to have been a spectator at the historic inauguration of President Barack

Obama. In recognition of that momentous event, and to celebrate Black History Month, HAA will

host the Black History Month Post Inaugural Networking Reception at the Marriott Marquis Hotel (Broadway @ 45

th St) on Wednesday, February 11 (5:30–8:30 p.m.). RSVP Ms. Sutton

(212.862.7200). Details on the HAA “Daily Digest” and at www.harlemaa.org.

Founding members Natsu Ifill and Garland Lee Thompson also serve on the HAA Board of Directors. Their efforts, along with those of the rest of the Board, in putting together the February 11

th

reception/fundraiser are greatly appreciated.

Please note that member organization, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, “has set aside

its February 11th Black History Month Reception to be a fundraiser to support Arts & Culture in 2009.

Donations will go to support Harlem Arts Alliance programs and activities.”

The HAA Board of Directors hosted its First Annual Membership Celebration at member

organization, The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center on Monday, January 26. Presentations of the first Harlem Community Arts Fund awards were made to

19 HAA members, and the new Experience: Harlem – See Hear Taste (Your Uptown Guide to

Culture & Dining) brochure was launched. Everyone is encouraged to pick up a copy of this guide which was created to showcase Harlem businesses.

The deadline for submissions for the 125th

Street Business Improvement District (BID) is Monday,

February 9. BID ON CULTURE is a new initiative developed in collaboration with BID and HAA

which calls for 20 banners to be hung from street light poles along 125th

Street, from Morningside Avenue to Fifth Avenue, celebrating the contributions of Women to Harlem and to communities of

color in the fields of government, arts and culture, business, education, and religion. Contact

applications@harlemaa.org for applications and information.

HAA is building a larger audience by partnering with the Association of Hispanic Arts (AHA) and

the Northern Manhattan Arts alliance (NoMAA).

Arts Day in Albany is our chance to influence the NYS Budget and keep the Arts alive in our

community. The trip is planned for tomorrow (February 3), and there are 12 seats available on the bus. Members of NoMAA will be part of the contingent traveling to Albany, and Mr. Unthank

introduced Diana Caba, Program Associate at NoMAA (www.nomaanyc.org). Contact

Administrative Assistant Celia Calvo (celia@harlemaa.org, 212.410.0030, x279) to reserve or reconfirm your reservation.

Program Director’s Report (Averlyn Archer)

Ms. Archer, Gallery Director at member organization, Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery (2611 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Studio 2N (btw 139

th & 140

th St), recently joined the HAA Executive Team

as Program Director. Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery will be exhibiting in Booth C2 at the 2009

National Black Fine Arts Show (7 West 34th

St @ Fifth Ave) from February 13–15. Featured artists

include HAA members Aleathia Brown, Diane Davis, Emmet Wigglesworth, Al Johnson, and Charly Palmer.

Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery is planning a trip to Cuba for artists and educators. Contact

212.694.1747 for details.

The HAA Winter/Spring 2009 Arts Development Seminar Series, facilitated by member Aleathia

Brown, continues tonight. Workshop sessions are held on the 2nd

floor at 290 Malcolm X Blvd (6:30–

8:30 p.m.), and are free for HAA members. RSVP to Celia Calvo at (celia@harlemaa.org,

212.410.0030, x279).

Member Marcia Pendelton, Founder and President of Walk Tall Girl Productions, introduced the

following performers and events.

Guests Idris Ackamoor and Rhodessa Jones, respectively the Executive Director and Co-Artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey (www.culturalodyssey.org), are responsible for over a dozen original

productions that demonstrate their vision of Arts as Social Activism. Together they performed an

excerpt from The Love Project (“Part house party, part TV talk show, and part cabaret”) currently on

stage at La MaMa E.T.C. (74A East 4th St) for a limited run.

Guest Eileen Rosen, Program Director at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette), invited everyone to see

The Good Negro, a new play by Tracey Scott Wilson, starring François Baptiste, who performed an

excerpt with a co-star. See (www.publictheater.org) for details.

Guest playwright Christina Anderson described Inked Baby, an original play she authored dealing

with surrogate motherhood and environmental racism. Inked Baby makes its off-Broadway debut for

a limited engagement, beginning on March 5, at Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42nd

St). See www.playwrightshorizons.org for details.

On February 23 (7:00 p.m.), six New York theater institutions will participate in a special panel

discussion featuring five current and upcoming off-Broadway shows hosted by member

organization, HarlemStage. Participants include member organization Classical Theatre of

Harlem, as well as Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Horizons, The Public Theater and

Signature Theatre Company in an evening titled I’ve Known Rivers: A Conversation with Christina

Anderson, Charles Fuller, Lynn Nottage & Liesl Tommy. Admission is free.

Contact Ms. Pendelton at MarciaPendelton@aol.com, or visit www.walktallgirlproductions.com for

details.

Aleathia’s Report

HAA member and Curator of the Cultural Collective, Aleathia Brown, presented the artwork on display by HAA members and introduced the artists.

By Robert Brown, Biggie Small, paper sculpture;

By Obatola W. Grant, Anarcha Westcott: Mother of Modern Gynecology, mixed media;

By Val Kirk, Dream, acrylic;

By Betty Thornton, Harriet’s Hearts, mixed media (to be donated to GirlSpirit WomenSong Inc., an

organization that supports high school aged girls preparing for college, and helps pay their tuition;

By Michele Walker, Abuse, acrylic; and

By Aleathia Brown, Mystery, watercolor/acrylic on w/c paper.

Visual artists wishing to display their art at meetings are invited to contact Ms. Brown. Everyone is

welcome to see the paintings close up and chat with the artists after the meeting.

Ms. Brown will be featured in an exhibit at Skylight Gallery in Restoration Plaza (1368 Fulton St, in the

Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn). An opening reception is scheduled for February 11.

Spaces are available at member organization, Chashama, for members who wish to facilitate their own

workshops. The focus of tonight’s Arts Development Workshop led by Ms. Brown will be information on where to purchase goods and services, from art materials and supplies to grant opportunities available

both locally and on-line. To learn more about Ms. Brown’s programs and exhibits, email

aleathiab@msn.com.

Guest Jane Gaines, a Professor at the School of the Arts – Film Division of member organization,

Columbia University, announced a two-day seminar entitled Oscar Micheaux: African American

Enigma (Schermerhorn Hall, Morningside Campus, Room 501) recognizing the legacy of that pioneering

filmmaker. The two full-day conferences will be presented on February 6 & 7 by Columbia University Seminars, Film Society of Lincoln Center, and Columbia University Film. From February 8–18, the Film

Society of Lincoln Center will screen a series of Oscar Micheaux films (Walter Reade Theater, West 65th

St, btw Broadway & Amsterdam, plaza level). The Chair added that Oscar Micheaux had been the subject of his master’s thesis at Columbia, and was the inspiration for the Harlemwood Film Festival created by

member Jamal Joseph. See www.lincolncenter.org and www.filmlinc.org for more.

Guest Marianna Houston is the Executive Director at International Theatre & Literacy Project (ITLP), a non-profit organization that “brings theatre artists from the United States to developing

countries to conduct community-based playwriting and theatre workshops for secondary school students

and teachers in developing countries.” Ms. Houston introduced Nilaja Sun, author of No Child, and a

teaching artist. Currently stationed in Tanzania, the ITLP workshops are dedicated to “nurturing their creative voices to enable them to express their ideas and stories.” ITLP (160 West 87

th St, 5C) would like

to invite HAA members who are also teaching artists to join them. Contact Ms. Houston at

mhouston@itlp.org and visit www.itlp.org for more information.

Guest Laura Rice, representing member organization, Walker International Communications Group

(www.walkercommunicationsgroup.com), introduced Karen Chilton, author of Hazel Scott: The

Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist, from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC. Ms. Chilton read an excerpt, and was available after the meeting to sign and sell copies. HAA Chairman, Voza Rivers, will

introduce Ms. Chilton at her book signing at Hue-Man Bookstore & Café (2319 Frederick Douglass

Blvd, btw 124th & 125

th Sts) on February 9. Ms. Rice announced the following events:

One Fine Day: A Tribute to Camilla Williams, at member organization Schomburg Center for

Research in Black Culture (515 Malcolm X Blvd) on February 11, in collaboration with the New

York City Opera.

Member organization, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 40th anniversary celebration (February 11–

May 9). Entitled Dance Theatre of Harlem: Forty Years of Firsts, the salute begins with a multi-

media exhibit at the Vincent Astor Gallery, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

(40 Lincoln Center Plaza). See www.dancetheatreofharlem.com for details.

Member James Stovall congratulated everyone for the success of the Kwanzaa celebration held at

member organization, American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) on December 28. AMNH will “celebrate African-American History Month with a special passport to revisit Harlem’s rich musical

legacy through dance, poetry, and selected film clips” on February 21 with a presentation entitled Harlem

Serenade: A moment in time. Admission is free. See www.amnh.org for details.

The Chair reminded everyone that actress Phyllis Yvonne Stickney will host Soulful Saturdays at The

Harlem Supper Club (454 West 128th St, btw Amsterdam & Convent) on Saturday, February 14.

Admission prices are discounted for HAA members.

Apollo Theater Report (Adé Williams)

The Apollo is offering special pricing in honor of Black History Month and their 75th Anniversary:

Tickets for Amateur Night will be offered at $7.50 for the first 75 people to arrive.

Free Harlem Meer Social Hour: The Apollo Theater in Central Park. February 10 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) at Central Park: Central Park Conservancy (Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, northern end of

Central Park on 110th St btw Lenox and Fifth Aves).

Free Open House Series: an entertaining, and informative tour (including onstage, backstage, and a

mock Amateur Night show, film screenings, discussions, and more). February 21, 22, 28, and March 1.

Contact ade.Williams@apollotheater.org (212.531.5359) or visit www.apollotheater.org for the complete

lineup of events.

Cultural Report (Kojo Adé)

New York City Opera and member organization, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black

Culture (515 Malcolm X Blvd @ 135th St) collaborate to present I’m on my Way: Black History at

New York City Opera in a celebration of City Opera’s Black History. See www.nypl.org for details.

February 7: Stories and Songs of the Blues, starring Guy Davis Trio at BAM Howard Gilman Opera

House (www.bam.org) (30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn).

Ending February 8: The Love Project at La MaMa E.T.C. (www.lamama.org) (74A East 4th St),

starring Rhodessa Jones and Idris Ackamoor.

February 10–15: Noted choreographer, Ronald K. Brown and his dance company, Evidence, will be

in performance at the Joyce Theater (www.joyce.org) (175 Eighth Ave @ 19th St).

February 21: Shades of War at the Oberia D. Dempsey Theatre (127 West 127th St, btw ACP, &

Malcolm X Blvd) (www.MLBEntertainmentGroup.com, or 866.811.4111).

March 4–23: Legendary opera singer, Jessye Norman, is the curator of A Celebration of the Africa

American Cultural Legacy. Presented by Carnegie Hall, this series of concerts, recitals, lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions features such luminaries as Ray Chew, Cassandra Wilson, Dee

Dee Bridgewater, Imani Winds, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and many more. Partner venues include

member organizations, Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage at Aaron Davis Hall/The City College of

New York, and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Until March 29: Ruined, by Lynn Nottage, at the Manhattan Theater Club (131 West 55th St, btw 6

th

& 7th Aves). See www.nycitycenter.org for tickets and showtimes.

Thank you for reading and responding to the HAA Cultural Calendar (“Daily Digest”). Be sure to visit

our website (www.harlemaa.org) often for news and information.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2009, from 10 a.m. till 12 noon at The Riverside

Theatre, 91 Claremont Avenue (122nd

– 120th Street, one block west of Broadway).

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR HAA MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS: $25, ORGANIZATIONS: $75–$100

THANK YOU.

HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE

MINUTES – Monday, Monday, March 2, 2009

THEATRE OF RIVERSIDE CHURCH

The Chair welcomed the members, visitors, and guests. The HAA Executive team introduced themselves:

Voza Rivers (Chair), Michael Unthank (Executive Director), and Averlyn Archer (Program Director). The Chair then invited everyone to introduce themselves and identify their organizations and affiliations.

Chairman’s Report

The Chair described his testimony at the hearing of the first joint meeting of the New York State and New

York Assembly. The subject was arts and culture, and the participants included New York arts leaders,

key legislators, and representatives from the office of Governor David A. Paterson.

A budget of $8 million was supposed to be settled upon the New York State Council on the Arts

(NYSCA). Over 500 arts and culture organizations had been identified to receive funding out of that budget. Because of the economic downturn, NYSCA’s budget was reduced to $1 million, and most of

those organizations had to be dropped from the list of recipients, including HAA and member

organizations New Heritage Theatre, and Community Works. The purpose of the Chair’s testimony

was to discuss the impact of the budget cuts on arts and culture organizations and to request that the budget be restored. The decision of the Joint Committee was that the organizations that had been removed

from the list would be placed at the top of the new list for the next budget cycle beginning in April 2009.

The deadline for new submissions is Friday, March 6. However, if your organization is one of those that were on the previous list, there is no need to submit another application for funding. Your previous

application is still viable, and your organization will automatically be placed on the new list.

We are exploring new technologies to help promote our events, including a presence on radio. He

introduced Joyce Stroud, Account Manager at 98.7 KISS FM. Ms. Stroud had previously met with the

Chair to discuss working together to build a calendar of events. KISS FM has a listenership of more than

2 million people, and she would like to provide a resource that is available 24/7 to list our events. Feel free to contact Ms. Stroud at 212.352.5827 or jstroud@emmisny.com.

Apollo Theater Report (Adé Williams)

The Apollo is offering special pricing as part of their 75th Anniversary celebrations:

In honor of the Apollo’s 75th anniversary, tickets to Amateur Night will be offered at $7.50 for the

first 75 people to arrive.

March 13: Community Sing, featuring members Vy Higginsen’s Gospel for Teens. Admission is

free, but RSVP is required (212.531.5363).

March 14: Open auditions for Amateur Night.

March 21: Panel discussion: The Spiritual and Gospel Music, moderated by Derrick Bell and featuring Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Contact ade.williams@apollotheater.org (212.531.5359) or visit www.apollotheater.org for the complete lineup of events.

Guests Orit Darwish and Arlene Corsano described The Big Read Egypt/U.S., “an initiative of the

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, designed to deepen cultural understanding

and dialogue between Egyptians and Americans through the transformative power of literature.” Member

organization, Columbia University, is one of four U.S. organizations selected to lead this program as part of its Neighbors project (“Making a Difference through Community Partnerships”). There will be an

opening reception on March 5, on the Morningside Campus Low Library Rotunda (535 West 116th

St btw

Broadway and Amsterdam), followed by a panel discussion. Visit www.neighbors.columbia.edu or call 212.854.1324 for details.

As our African liaison, member Joyce Adewumi will bring news and entertainment from the African

community. Ms. Adewumi is the Founder and Director of the New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc. (www.nyafricanensemble.com), who sang The Work of God Can Never Be Destroyed. She then

introduced Senegalese poet, Daouda Fall (mbulfall@yahoo.fr), who recited a poem celebrating the

strength of women.

Cultural Collective Report

HAA member Laura Gadson presented the artwork on display by HAA members and introduced the artists.

By Sean Plunkett, Noma, mixed media;

By Obatola W. Grant, Under the Moon at Savoy Park, found items;

By Jeremiah Kyle Drake, Biggie in the City, mixed media.

Ms. Gadson invited all artists to tonight’s Artist Development Workshop, Improving Financial Options,

led by member Jeff Covington, Vice President of Chase Bank in Harlem. Member photographer Hubert

Williams (Imagesz of Us) will be on hand to photograph artwork for $25 (by advance reservation only). Program Director, Averlyn Archer, cautioned that the workshop may have to be postponed due to

inclement weather. A decision will be made based on the number of RSVPs received, and confirmations

will be sent out.

Ms. Gadson reported that last month’s The Artist in Bank Streets Backyard exhibit included many HAA

visual artists, and it was very successful. The Color Purple, a Harlem Girls Quilting Circle exhibit curated by Ms. Gadson, has been extended through March 28 at Gallery M (123 West 135

th St btw Adam

Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd & Lenox Ave). Stay tuned to the HAA Daily Digest and website

(www.harlemaa.org) for information about upcoming exhibits.

Executive Director’s Report

A total of 57 people traveled to Albany on February 3 to participate in Arts Advocacy Day. The purpose of the trip was to ensure that the voices of arts organizations can be heard, and to let our

legislators know that artists care and our opinions count. The meeting had been arranged by the New

York State Alliance for Arts Organizations, and the politicians in attendance included New York State Assemblyman, Keith L.T. Wright as well as representatives from Governor Paterson’s office

a reception followed the meeting, giving the assembled artists an opportunity to network. The group

also visited a New York State museum where member Laura Gadson was one of the featured artists

in a fabric art exhibit.

One of the focal points of advocacy was NYSCA, and Mr. Unthank described the process by which

the expected funds for arts organizations had been frozen. The final decision of the legislators was

that the drastic reductions in funding to arts organizations will not be restored but the organizations which had been removed from the previous round of funding will be placed at the top of the list for

the next round of funding. Advocacy at the city and state level is still a top priority for HAA, and

Mr. Unthank advised that we are moving toward making Arts Advocacy Week a year-round activity.

Stay tuned to the Daily Digest and the HAA website (www.harlemaa.org) for announcements on how we plan to bring more attention to the importance of the arts.

HAA has joined forces with the Association of Hispanic Arts (AHA), representing East Harlem and

the Barrio, and the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA), representing Upper Manhattan, to collaborate on cross-promotions and advocacy issues among others. HAA accompanied

representatives from NoMAA and AHA to a Black and Puerto Rican caucus panel discussion in

Albany. Panelists included Marta Vega, Founder and President of member organization Caribbean

Culture Center/African Diaspora Institute and Senator José M. Serrano. Founding HAA

member, Garland Lee Thompson was on hand to provide insight on the New York Department of

Cultural Affairs (DCA) which is now moving to an online-only application process. The deadline

for applications is March 23. Call or email members of the HAA Executive Team for more

information about the application process and to receive assistance, if necessary.

Mr. Unthank expressed gratitude to Apollo Theater’s Community Outreach Manager, L. Adé

Williams, and everyone who contributed to the success of the Apollo’s Open House series of events

(February 21–March 1). These events gave HAA more visibility and made it possible to raise

awareness in the community of who we are and what we do.

The 125th Street BID competition will result in 20 banners being placed along 125

th Street, from

Morningside to Fifth Avenue. The banners, which feature five designs repeated four times, support

Harlem as a cultural center as well as promoting the artists while demonstrating the power of collaborations. More than 20 strong submissions were received and letters will be sent out shortly

announcing the winners. The winning artists will be awarded $1,000. We are moving forward on this

project, and will be requesting a different set of banners 3 or 4 times throughout the year.

Guest Jane Weissman met member Norman Messiah early in her career. She is now one of the lineup of

featured artists at ArtMakers Inc. (372 DeKalb Ave, #4A, Brooklyn), a politically-oriented organization

that specializes in community murals (www.artmakersnyc.com). The research which Ms. Weissman conducted while co-authoring a book on murals, led her to member organization Aaron Davis Hall/The

City College of New York (138 Convent Ave @ 135th St). She has since been invited to exhibit in the

lobby. An opening reception will be held on March 10, and the exhibit will be displayed though March 27. On March 26, Ms. Weissman will join fellow ArtMakers artist Janet Braun-Reinitz, and

HAA members Dindga McCannon and Norman Messiah for a discussion about early murals in Harlem.

Contact artmakersnyc@aol.com or 212.989.3006 for more.

Member filmmaker, Randall Dottin, creator of the award-winning film, Lifted, introduced guest Philip

Hamilton, composer of the music for Mr. Dottin’s award-winning film, Lifted. Lifted was executive

produced by member organization New Heritage Theater. Mr. Hamilton displayed amazing vocal dexterity in an excerpt from Voices, a project combining music and musical traditions from all over the

world. Voices will be presented in its entirety at the Society for Ethical Culture (2 West 64th St @

Central Park West) on March 26 at 7:30 PM. The show will then tour the East Coast before returning to New York for its off-Broadway debut. See www.philiphamilton.com for more information about this

talented young vocalist and composer.

Guest Shirley Faison, Executive Director of member organization, National Black Theatre – Institute

of Action Arts (NBT) reminded everyone that NBT (2031-33 National Black Theatre Way/Fifth Ave btw

125th & 126

th Sts) will continue to offer rental space and provide quality programming in the same

tradition that was practiced by its late founder, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. NBT’s Communication Arts and Theatre Arts Program will kick off with a symposium on March 27 (6:30 PM). Panelists will include

noted stage, television, and movie star, Avery Brooks, and HAA member Liv Wright, among others.

Workshops will be offered in April, and shows, beginning with a retrospective of NBT, will begin in May. Contact NBITCA@aol.com or call 212.748.9394 for details.

Member actor/comedienne, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, encouraged everyone to support the new Harlem

Supper Club (454 West 128th St @ Amsterdam). As an incentive, she is offering deeply discounted

admission prices for Soulful Saturdays (9 PM every Saturday). Unionized actors and musicians and HAA

members will be admitted for $10 (discounted from $30) upon presentation of their membership cards, pictures, and resumes. Contact 212.388.7086 for details.

Guests Curnell Thompson and Harold Barfield invited everyone to Write on Rosie, a musical tribute to

prolific songwriter, Rose Marie McCoy. During the 50s and 60s, Ms. McCoy had more than 850 songs published and recorded by most of the musical greats of the time. Mr. Thompson read an excerpt from

Ms. McCoy’s memoirs, and Mr. Barfield sang one of her songs: You are My Personal Possession. HAA

honored Ms. McCoy in 2006 with a celebration at member organization, Schomburg Center for

Research in Black Culture, on the occasion of her 85th birthday. Write on Rosie will be presented at

Mother Zion A.M.E. Church (137th St, btw Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvds) on

March 22 (3 PM), and Ms. McCoy will be one of the performers. Contact ACECorsano@hotmail.com (201.387.8143) for tickets and information.

Guest author Jawanza Bakari introduced actor Sam Encarnacion who performed an excerpt from a

play based on a book of poetry written by Mr. Bakari entitled The Passage: Stories from the Maafa. The play, which examines “the Afrikan holocaust of enslavement” will be presented at The Black Box

Theatre (308 West 133rd

St, btw Frederick Douglass Blvd & St. Nicholas Ave) from March 14–29.

Contact 914.375.4170 (thepassagemaafa@gmail.com).

Walker International Communications Group Report

Guest Laura Weiss, representing member organization, Walker International Communications

Group, informed the members of the following events:

March 8: As part of their “Open House” series, member organization Dance Theatre of Harlem (466 West 152

nd St, btw Amsterdam & St. Nicholas Aves) will celebrate Arthur Mitchell at 75 on

their premises (3 PM), followed by a reception with refreshments.

March 31: New York City Opera in a program entitled Opera Matters: Black History at City Opera, at member organization Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (515 Malcolm X Blvd

@ 135th St).

Ms. Weiss thanked HAA and Marva Allen of Hue-Man Bookstore & Café (2319 Frederick Douglass

Blvd, btw 124th

& 125th

Sts) and everyone who supported the launch of Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist, from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC by Karen Chilton (www.karen-

chilton.com). The Chair highly recommended this book, adding that it had great historical information

and he had learned a great deal from reading it. He asked Ms. Weiss to convey his thanks once again to the author for appearing at our February monthly meeting.

Visit www.walkercommunicationsgroup.com for details about these and other upcoming events.

The Chair thanked everyone for coming out in this weather. Thank you for reading and responding to the

HAA Cultural Calendar (“Daily Digest”). Be sure to visit our website (www.harlemaa.org) often for

news and information.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 6, 2009, from 10 a.m. till 12 noon at The Riverside

Theatre, 91 Claremont Avenue (122nd

– 120th Street, one block west of Broadway).

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR HAA MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS: $25, ORGANIZATIONS: $75–$100

THANK YOU.

HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE

MINUTES – Monday, Monday, April 6, 2009

THEATRE OF RIVERSIDE CHURCH

The Chair welcomed the members, visitors, and guests. The HAA Executive team introduced themselves:

Voza Rivers (Chair), and Michael Unthank (Executive Director). The Chair then invited everyone to

introduce themselves and identify their organizations and affiliations.

African Community Liaison Report (Joyce Adewumi)

Member Joyce Adewumi (212.862.4858/info@nyafricanensemble.com) introduced the following guests:

Nigerian Princess Agabiomon Ogbewi, Founder and President of Uyi Edo, who demonstrated a

traditional dance from the Benin Royal Court and described its origin.

African designer Catherine Tanoh of Ivory Coast Fashion Designs whose fashions were modeled

by members of Ms. Adewumi’s New York African Chorus Ensemble.

Innovator and Producer of Global Caribbean Representation, Brother Austin Tuitt, who invited

everyone to the flag-raising to be held on Sunday, May 3, in the auditorium of Mahalia Jackson School (790 East New York Ave., Brooklyn). The flag-raising, hosted by Dr. Julius W. Garvey, MD

will be the first of a weekly series of events sponsored by the Global Caribbean Representation.

Prior to the flag-raising, a Reconciliation Reception is scheduled for April 26 at Mahalia Jackson

School. Admission is free.

Member Brad Learmonth, Director of Programming for member organization HarlemStage, and his

guests described the upcoming events celebrating the 10th anniversary of HarlemStage’s dance initiative,

E-Moves. One of the featured dancers performed an excerpt from this innovative series. E-Moves provide

a showcase for emerging, evolving, and established artists of color. It will run from April 16–25 at

HarlemStage Gatehouse (150 Convent Avenue). Harlem residents receive a 20%–25% discount. Feel free

to contact 212.281.9240, ext. 1920 for tickets and information.

Member Katsuya (Kats) Abe of Overseas Productions, Inc., presented a grant in the amount of $4,000

to HAA in recognition of its international cultural awareness and service. On behalf of HAA the check was accepted by Luther D. Isler, videographer and Manager of member organization, IMPACT

Repertory Theatre. IMPACT, an offshoot of member organization, New Heritage Theatre, is

participating in a cultural exchange program in Japan. In 2008, IMPACT was nominated for an Academy

Award for “Raise It Up,” an original song featured in the hit movie August Rush. This year, the song has

been nominated for a Grammy Award. The Chair presented a video clip of IMPACT’s latest hit, Three Dot Dash (Morse code symbol for Peace), which premiered at the General Assembly of the United

Nations.

Member Katori Hall invited everyone to come and see her play, The Mountaintop, on stage at Lark Studio (939 Eighth Ave, 2

nd flr, btw 55

th & 56

th Sts) from April 29 to May 2. Ms. Hall described the

inspiration behind this play which explores a fictitious encounter between Rev. Martin Luther King and a

hotel maid on the night before his assassination.

Cultural Collective Report

HAA member and Curator of the Cultural Collective, Aleathia Brown, expressed her gratitude to

member Laura Gadson who replaced her and presented the Cultural Collective Report at last month’s

meeting. She then presented the artwork on display by HAA members and introduced the artists.

By Sean Plunkett, The Space Between Knowledge & Conjecture, mixed media;

By Saami Osman Ibrahim, Village Scene;

By Valerie Kirk, Untitled (from her Funk Color Dreams Series), acrylic; By Jeremiah Kyle Drake, The Passion of Romona Moore, found object assemblage;

By Rudy Collins, Convent Avenue, digital art;

By Robert Daniels, Working Women’s Spirit; mixed collage; By Oba Tola Grant, We the People, mixed media;

By Aleathia Brown, Culture, pen, ink, brush.

Tonight’s Artist Development Clinic (State Office Building, ACP Blvd @ 125th

St, 8th Floor), entitled

Uptown/Downtown, and features a dialogue between two important art galleries. The discussion will be

filmed by member organization, Chashama, and photographed by member Hubert Williams of Imagesz

of Us.

Member Laura Gadson will curate a visual arts show entitled Jewelry as Art for Gallery M (123 West

135th St). The show will run from July to mid-August. This is an opportunity for jewelry artists to have

their work displayed as fine art. Ms. Gadson’s business card will be available following today’s meeting, and details of the jewelry art show will be broadcast in HAA’s online Daily Digest.

Ms. Brown’s art will be featured in an exhibit entitled Emerging Masters at Restoration Gallery in Brooklyn on May 22. Member organization Chashama (2014-16 ACP Blvd, btw 120

th & 121

st Sts) will

be the venue for Celebrating 20 years of Aleathia’s Original Artworks. The celebration begins with a

reception on May 8, followed by a Mother’s Day Pampering & Art Lounge (May 10), and continues with

art workshops and panel discussions. To learn more about Ms. Brown’s programs and exhibits, contact aleathiab@msn.com or 646.345.2851.

Member Marcia Pendelton, President of Walk Tall Girl Productions, thanked everyone who made Inked

Baby, a Christina Anderson play dealing with surrogate motherhood and environmental racism a sold-out success. Inked Baby made its off-Broadway debut in a limited engagement, beginning on March 5, at

Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42nd

St). The same is expected for Ruined, an original play by Lynn

Nottage. Produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club/NYCity Center (131 West 55th St, btw 5

th & 6

th Aves),

Ruined has been extended through May 3. Cast members Russell G. Jones and Quincy Tyler Bernstine

performed an excerpt. Visit www.manhattantheatreclub.com for tickets and information. See HAA’s

online Daily Digest for discount information. For details on these and other events, contact Ms. Pendelton at 646.467.7393, marciapendelton@aol.com, or visit www.walktallgirlproductions.com.

Cultural Report (Kojo Adé)

April 6–May 2: Angela’s Mixtape, a semi-autobiographical musical play written by Eisa Davis, niece

of well-known activist and professor of philosophy, Angela Davis, and presented by New Georges

Hip Hop Theater Festival (www.hhtf.org). Guest Clyde Valentin, HHTF Executive Producer, invited everyone to tonight’s preview. All performances will be held at the Ohio Theatre (66 Wooster St, btw

Spring & Broome Sts, Soho). See www.lct.org or call (212) 947-8844 for tickets and information.

April 8 – May 25: The 16th annual African Film Festival New York (various venues). Presented by

The Film Society of Lincoln Center, this year’s AFF showcases films by emerging female Kenyan

directors, as well as veteran directors, and includes two panel discussions. See

www.africanfilmfestival.org for details.

Beginning April 26: World Music Institute presents 60 concerts at various venues. Among the countries represented will be Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and North America. Call

(212) 545-7536 or visit www.worldmusicinstitute.org for the complete lineup.

Through June 14: August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Lincoln Center Theater at the Belasco (111 West 44

th St, btw 6

th & 7

th Aves). Cast members Ernie Hudson, Marcia Stephanie

Blake, and Michael Cummings discussed the play and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the

50% discount off regular box office prices (use code JTFLX301).

Executive Director of member organization, Riverside Theatre, Jewel Kinch, welcomed everyone and

described the upcoming Cultural Animator Series which begins on May 1. This year’s focus is

environment, and presentations will include dance, film, visual arts, and dialogue. The series, entitled Earth (H)ours, is produced in collaboration with member organization, Columbia University’s Earth

Institute and Riverside Youth Ministry. Highlight range from a spoken word performance by Climbing

Poetree May 1st, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, May 10, with panel discussions and outdoor

activities in between. Contact Ms. Kinch at 212.870.6877 or visit www.theriversidetheatre.org for details.

Guest Jody Prusan is the new Theatre Director of member organization, Harlem School of the Arts

(HSA). She presented a DVD illustrating ArtScape, a summer day camp that brings arts into camp. Open to children from 4 to 12 years of age, ArtScape is “an arts-focused camp featuring morning classes in

dance, music, theater and visual arts … taught by [HSA’s] renowned faculty.” Afternoons are spent

outdoors, visiting museums and other points of interest. HSA also offers a camp for teens aged 12 to 17

years.

Thank you for reading and responding to our HAA Cultural Calendar (“Daily Digest”). Be sure to visit

our website (www.harlemaa.org) often for news and information.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009, from 10 a.m. till 12 noon at The Riverside

Theatre, 91 Claremont Avenue (122nd

– 120th Street, one block west of Broadway).

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR HAA MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS: $25, ORGANIZATIONS: $75–$100

THANK YOU.

HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE

MINUTES – Monday, Monday, May 4, 2009

THEATRE OF RIVERSIDE CHURCH

The Chair welcomed the members, visitors, and guests. The HAA Executive team introduced themselves:

Voza Rivers (Chair), Michael Unthank (Executive Director), and Averlyn Archer (Program Director).

The Chair then invited everyone to introduce themselves and identify their organizations and affiliations.

Chairman’s Report

All HAA meetings are open and provide a forum for members in good standing to share their information.

We all need each other’s support, and that includes HAA. Your financial support, in the form of

membership dues, goes a long way towards helping HAA to provide much-needed services. Also,

keeping your membership up to date allows us to maintain an accurate record of the number of members. Funders need to know how many we are. As of 2008, we were 400+ members, with a typical turnout of

approximately 200-250 members and guests at every meeting.

These meeting are important for the input everyone gives and gets. Let us know if the fee presents a

challenge for you. We will work with you in complete privacy to ensure that we get everyone’s energy,

support, and information.

The Chair reported with sadness that dancer, choreographer, and instructor, Frankie Manning, one of the

original Lindy Hoppers at the Savoy Ballroom, has died at the age of 94. Mr. Manning was a “living

treasure,” and he will be greatly missed.

Program Director’s Report (Averlyn Archer)

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Artz, Rootz & Rhythm Festival (May 16), as well as ArtCrawl

Harlem (May 16) and Harlem Week. Please contact Ms. Archer (212.410.0030, ext. 212) to discuss.

RSVP is required for this evenings Artist Development Workshop at the State Office Building (ACP

Blvd @ 125th Street), beginning at 6 pm.

Member News

Guest Melba Tolliver described HEADS UP! A Soulful Celebration of Our HAIRitage (May 20, Kumble

Theater for the Performing Arts (Long Island University campus, DeKalb Ave @ Flatbush, Brooklyn).

The celebration, cohosted by members Malika Lee Whitney and Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, includes

music, film, photos, performances, and panel discussions presented in collaboration with Khamit Kinks hair salon. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. Call Kumble, for details at 718.488.1624. RSVP at

Khamit Kinks (718.422.2600).

Guest Rebecca Sheahan, Marketing Director for member organization, 651Arts invited everyone to

experience FLY: Five First Ladies of Dance, featuring legendary dancer/choreographers Germain

Acogny, Carmen De Lavallade, Dianne McIntyre, Bebe Miller, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar.

Presented at the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts on May 30 and 31 only, FLY is part of 651Art’s annual Black Dance: Tradition & Transformation Program. See www.651arts.org for details. Call

718.488.1624 for tickets and information.

Guest producer/author, Dara Frazier, presented an excerpt from her original play, Passing: An American

Story, inspired by the “true story of Minerva Roulhac [Ms. Frazier’s maternal great-grandmother] who

was adopted by a former slave and raised as black,” and who had the courage to live as a black woman in the segregated South. Passing is on stage at the Matthew Corzine Studio Theatre (300 West 43

rd St, Suite

#502) through May 24. HAA members are entitled to 20% discount on ticket price ($12 instead of $15).

Contact the Executive Director (917.501.4973) for tickets and information.

Member Leo Witlarge reported on the 2009 Community Media Workshop Series offered by Manhattan

Neighborhood Network (MNN). Described as a “series of workshops designed for groups who are

interested in incorporating video in their organizing, outreach and advocacy efforts,” these free workshops offer instruction in editing, camera work, interviewing, and more. He suggested that interested

HAA members should form a video collective and take advantage of these workshops. For more info or to

RSVP for one or more of these workshops, email: cmevent@mnn.org or call 212.757.2670 x352. Mr. Witlarge’s presentation was accompanied by music he created using multi-media computer

techniques. To learn more, see www.witlarge.com, or contact Mr. Witlarge at leowit2066@yahoo.com to

discuss possible collaborations.

“Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is an independent non-profit corporation headquartered in

Los Angeles, with the purpose to educate people in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights so they

become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace.” Guest John Carmichael presented a video

illustrating YHRI’s values and goals. Free copies of the video are available at today’s meeting. Extras can

be obtained at no charge by contacting dirprnyd@gmail.com (516.637.7645). Learn more at www.youthforhumanrights.org.

Member and noted actress/comedienne Phyllis Yvonne Stickney invited everyone to The Club Meeting

for Phyllis Y. Stickney Friends & Fans at The Grand House (181 Lenox Ave @ 119th St) on May 23.

RSVP to 212.388.7086 or email cocoagirls@aol.com for details. Ms. Stickney praised August Wilson’s

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and urged the members to go out and see it (Lincoln Center Theater at the

Belasco – 111 West 44t St) through June 14.

Japanese Community Report

A representative of member Katsuya (Kats) Abe of Overseas Productions, Inc., introduced Showtime

at the Apollo winner, Japanese choreographer and dance instructor, Rie, now a resident of East

Harlem. Rie performed an excerpt from Infinity, a new cross-cultural event to be presented in its

entirety at Creole Restaurant in Harlem (2167 Third Ave @ 118th St) on May 14. RSVP/information

at 212.996.4302 or info@gospelnow.org.

May 31 is the date of the 3rd

annual Japan Day, “an event designed by the Japanese community of New York to promote deeper understanding of Japanese culture and to say “Thank you, New York!”

Japan Day takes place in the East Meadow of Central Park, and kicks off at 8 a.m. with the Japan

Run, a 4-mile race organized by the New York Road Runners Club (www.nyrrc.org). Representatives of Shinichi Nishimiya, Consul General of Japan in New York, presented a video clip of last year’s

Japan Day, adding that Central Park’s East Meadow would be transformed with the sounds, sights,

and taste of Japan. The day’s activities include live performances by top entertainers from Japan and

New York, as well as free samplings of Japanese cuisine. Learn more at www.japandaynyc.org.

The Chair commented that HAA participated in Japan Day in Central Park last year, and thanked the

members who performed, participated, and supported the event. He added that the focus of our June meeting will be physical health. At a meeting this morning, he invited Mary Wittenberg, President of

the New York Road Runners Club to be our special guest next month. He congratulated member

Cassandra Meroe Wimbs whose personal fitness program resulted in a 73-pound weight loss. Ms. Wimbs, who no longer depends on insulin, received an award for fitness from U.S. President

Barack Obama.

Riverside Theater Report (Jeremiah Kyle Drake)

Brandy Elias, whose face was destroyed due to domestic violence, is progressing well in her treatments. Mr. Drake’s Slashing of the Icon activist project has resulted in Ms. Elias receiving free

reconstructive surgery.

Augusto Boal, creator of Theatre of the Oppressed, has died following a long illness. Mr. Boal’s son,

Julián, will moderate “What Can We Do to Break the Chain of Violence against Women: A Year Long Project to Make Real Change” on Sunday, May 31 at Riverside Church (MLK Bldg, Room 10T

in the tower).

Noted linguist, philosopher, scientist, political activist, author, and lecturer, Noam Chomsky, will

discus Crisis and Hope: Theirs and Ours at Riverside Church on Friday, June 12, beginning at 7 pm.

For details about these events and to learn more about Theatre of the Oppressed, contact Mr. Drake at

212.870.6840 (jdrake@theriversidechurchny.org).

Cultural Collective Report

HAA member and Curator of the Cultural Collective, Aleathia Brown, presented the artwork on display by HAA members and introduced the artists.

By Robert Daniels, Children of the Village; mixed collage;

By Oba Tola Grant, The Morning After/She is Beautiful, Intelligent & Kind And her Husband Loves Her … To Death!, mixed media;

By Valerie Kirk, Sing Spring, acrylic;

By Jeremiah Kyle Drake, Rastafarian Angst, found object assemblage; By Tagea Vansgaard, Naked Tree, oil & gold leaf;

By Aleathia Brown, Daughter of the Dance, acrylic on mattboard.

Tonight’s Artist Development Clinic (State Office Bldg., ACP Blvd @ 125th St, 8

th flr) will be the last

until October. The challenge issued previously by member Jeff Covington to small businesses has

engendered interesting feedback. At the State Office Bldg, on the 8th floor, don’t miss Art Crawl Harlem

(a guided trolley tour of art galleries in Harlem) and the Artz, Rootz & Rhythm Festival (a celebration of Art and Culture on the plaza of the State Office Bldg., ACP Blvd @ 125

th St), both on May 16,

beginning at noon.

African Community Liaison Report (Joyce Adewumi)

The New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc. (212.862.4858/info@nyafricanensemble.com)

offers instruction in dance as well as music (including opera). They are currently holding auditions.

Call 212.862.4858 for information.

The Harlem Supper Club (128 West 128th St) features an African Dance Party every Sunday, from

10 pm to 4 am. Admission is free before midnight. Call 917.513.7292 for information.

Please come out enjoy the International African Arts Festival at Commodore Barry Park (Park &

Flushing Aves and North Elliott St & Navy Sts, Brooklyn) from July 2–5. Rain or Shine. Call 718.638.6700 or email marketplace@iaafestival.org.

Cultural Report (Kojo Adé)

May 4: A memorial service for Frederick Dewayne (“Freddie”) Hubbard will be held tonight at

the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave).

May 9: Sing Sing, a musical event at Symphony Space (Broadway @ 95th St). Member and cultural

liaison, Kojo Adé, joins performers from Australia, Papua New Guinea and West Papua in a

“celebration of traditional and contemporary indigenous music and dance.” HAA members enjoy a $5

discount with flyer. Contact: 212.545.7536 (www.worldmusicinstitute.org).

May 14–June 7: Member and Artistic Director of member organization, Negro Ensemble Company

Inc. (NEC), Charles Weldon, invited everyone to NEC’s production of Sundown Names and Night-Gone Things. Directed by Woodie King, Jr., Sundown Names is on stage at the Castillo Theatre

(543 West 42nd

St, btw 10th & 11

th Aves). Contact 212.582.5860, nectheatr@aol.com, or visit

www.necinc.org for details.

May 26: Down the Rabbit Hole, a poetry, prose, and musical event written and performed by Liza

Jessie Peterson, at the Triad Theater (158 West 72nd

St, 2nd

flr, btw Columbus & Amsterdam). Visit www.lizajessiepeterson.com for details.

July 2–5: The 38th Annual International African Arts Festival (IAAF), commemorating the 40

th

anniversary of the founding of the institution that gave birth to the IAAF. Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn.

Guest Jacob Morris described the efforts of the Harlem Historical Society (HHS) to raise awareness

and open opportunities for black artists. One of HHS’s initiatives is to work towards honoring Harlem

celebrities by having streets named after them. Another goal is to have a Walk of Fame in front of the Apollo Theater. Mr. Morris expressed his interest in Leo Witlarge’s proposed video collective to benefit

from MNN’s media workshops.

The Chair commented that this is a year of important anniversaries in the cultural community: NAACP (100 years); Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (50 years); member organizations, Apollo Theater

(75 years); New Heritage Theatre Group (45 years). We have to “wrap our arms around each other” to

keep these and other cultural organizations alive.

Walker International Communications Group/Walk Tall Girl Productions Report

Member Marcia Pendelton, Founder/President of Walk Tall Girl Productions, reported on behalf of

WICG as well as Walk Tall Girl Productions:

June 9–14: Best of Ailey and Classic Ailey, two new programs “celebrating the beauty, sprit and

passion that have distinguished the Ailey Company for fifty years.” These two productions (one of

them with live music) will be presented at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, Peter Jay Sharp Building (30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn).

Through June 28: Ruined, has garnered a Pulitzer Prize for it’s author, Lynn Nottage, and the play has been extended once again. Ms. Nottage is only the second black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize

for Drama. Manhattan Theatre Club/NYCity Center (131 West 55th St, btw 5th & 6th Aves).

Through July 3: Pure Confidence by Carlyle Brown is an introduction into the little-known world of

the black jockey. Formerly at the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, Pure Confidence is currently

one of the entries in America’s Off Broadway Festival at Theater A, 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th St, btw Madison & Park).

For details on these and other events, contact Ms. Pendelton at 646.467.7393, marciapendelton@aol.com,

or visit www.walktallgirlproductions.com.

Apollo Theater Report (Adé Williams)

Again this year, the Apollo Theater is offering high school seniors “on-the-job training in technical

and administrative careers in the performing arts. The program also provides youth with personal and career development, leadership skills, information on history and culture, and opportunities to connect

with professionals in the arts.” Fifteen slots are available. Applications are available online or contact

The Apollo Theater Education Department (212.531.5348/education@apollotheater.org). Application deadline: May 14.

June 20: Three Mo’ Divas.

November 7 – December 5: The revival of Dreamgirls launches its national tour at the legendary

Apollo Theater. Harlem residents enjoy discounted admission price of $18.50.

The Apollo Theater is working toward the establishment of a Walk of Fame. Members will be kept

informed of its progress.

Contact ade.williams@apollotheater.org (212.531.5359) or visit www.apollotheater.org for the complete

lineup of events.

Thank you for reading and responding to our HAA Cultural Calendar (“Daily Digest”). Be sure to visit

our website (www.harlemaa.org) often for news and information.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 1 2009, from 10 a.m. till 12 noon at The Riverside

Theatre, 91 Claremont Avenue (122nd

– 120th Street, one block west of Broadway).

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR HAA MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS: $25, ORGANIZATIONS: $75–$100

THANK YOU.