May 27th 2024.
As the month of May came to a close, the Harlem School of the Arts was bustling with excitement as it celebrated its 60th anniversary. The prestigious event took place at the elegant Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, where guests were treated to a night of glamour and inspiration. The occasion was dedicated to honoring the school's founder, the renowned concert soprano Dorothy Maynor, and her legacy that continues to live on through the school's mission.
The evening was nothing short of spectacular, with a Bridgerton-inspired dinner theater experience that perfectly coincided with the release of Netflix's third season of the hit show. Among the esteemed guests was the CEO of Netflix himself, Ted Sarandos, who gave a touching speech in honor of his wife, author and former ambassador to the Bahamas, Nicole A. Avant. The Avant family was recognized for their remarkable contributions in philanthropy, business, and politics, and their late parents, Jacqueline and Clarence Avant, were also honored.
The list of honorees also included names like Deborah Roberts, Al Roker, their son Nick, Jennifer Jones Austin, and The Herb Alpert Foundation. The foundation has been a long-time supporter of HSA, providing invaluable aid for over a decade. As the night went on, guests were transported back in time with the enchanting 1800s-inspired ball gowns and the lively jazz and music from The Roots. The performances were a tribute to HSA's rich musical legacy, as reported by Vogue.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the gala served a greater purpose as a fundraiser for the school. The event managed to raise over $2 million, a staggering amount that will go towards supporting the school's diverse arts programming and providing financial assistance for students in need. HSA President James C. Horton emphasized the significance of the event in continuing Dorothy Maynor's vision of using the arts to uplift underrepresented communities.
"As we reflect on HSA's 60 years of unwavering dedication to the transformative power of the arts, we stand in awe of the remarkable individuals who have embodied the spirit and vision of our beloved founder, Dorothy Maynor," said Horton. "We look forward to honoring those whose tireless efforts have echoed her legacy of uplifting underrepresented and underserved communities through the arts."
Sandra Buchanan Hurse, a board member and member of the gala committee, also spoke about the life-changing impact of arts education and the importance of ensuring access for all, regardless of socio-economic status. "The impact of receiving arts education can be life-changing, and no child should have to be without that experience because they can't afford it," said Hurse. "The funds raised this evening provide access to arts programming for young people regardless of their socio-economic circumstances."
The night was truly a celebration of HSA's milestone and a testament to the enduring legacy of Dorothy Maynor. It was a reminder of the power of the arts to bring people together, uplift communities, and create positive change in the world. With the support of generous individuals and organizations, HSA will continue to nurture young talent and make a lasting impact for years to come.
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