Representatives from Alabama State University recently attended a ceremony at the world acclaimed Carnegie Hall, where ASU was honored for impacting both the Civil Rights Movement and the “theater world.”
The event, titled “The Black Stars of the Great White Way,” was a celebration honoring ASU alumnus and civil rights icon Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, renowned director Frank Silvera and Alabama State University.
ASU was honored as Abernathy’s alma mater and for the establishment of the Silvera-Richards-Stewart Center for the Study of Being in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
“Their legacies live on Broadway tonight,” wrote David Horace Greer, executive producer of “Black Stars of the Great White Way.” Greer is a playwright, actor and Tony-nominated producer. His work on Broadway includes “Porgy and Bess,” “Mountaintop” and “The Scottsboro Boys.”
Greer’s quote made reference to the five ASU alumni who currently are appearing in major Broadway musicals: J. Barnard Calloway (who portrays Rev. Abernathy in “All the Way”); Timothy Ware (“Kinky Boots”); Charlie Hudson (“A Raisin in the Sun”); Bonita Hamilton (“Lion King”); and Felecia Boswell (“Motown the Musical”).
Zillah Fluker, ASU’s associate vice president for Development, attended the star-studded event, along with alumnae Annette Brooks, vice chair of the ASU Foundation, and Bonita Hamilton. Fluker explained that the University is a non-profit beneficiary of Greer’s production.
“We were the only institution of higher education to be listed as one of the participating organizations,” said Fluker. “The rest of the groups were arts-related. It really is a tremendous honor for ASU, and it placed the University on yet another stage of national prominence. The recognition also highlights the unparalleled success of ASU’s theatre arts program.”
Kenneth G. Mullinax Jr.
Director, Media Relations & Public Information
334-229-4104
P.O. Box 271
Montgomery, AL 36101
334-229-4104
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Monday, July 7th 2014 at 10:35AM
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