On Monday evening, guests dressed in their finest attire gathered at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA). The event paid tribute to the legacy of the school’s founder, acclaimed concert soprano Dorothy Maynor, and celebrated individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts and philanthropy.
Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by the sights and sounds of a captivating dinner theater experience, inspired by the highly anticipated 3rd season of Netflix’s hit show. HSA students transformed the legendary event space into a world of their own, paying homage to the school’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Among the evening’s honorees was Nicole A. Avant, author, former Ambassador to the Bahamas, and wife of Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. Avant, along with her parents, Jacqueline and Clarence Avant, were recognized posthumously for their groundbreaking work in philanthropy and their achievements in business and politics. Other honorees included Deborah Roberts and Al Roker, renowned journalists and advocates for social justice; Jennifer Jones Austin, philanthropist and founder of the philanthropic organization The Satcher Health Leadership Institute; and The Herb Alpert Foundation, a longstanding supporter of the Harlem School of the Arts.
The celebration featured live performances by talented HSA students, showcasing the school’s legacy of nurturing musical excellence and paying tribute to Harlem’s storied history as a hub for jazz. Poetry recitations, singing, and instrumental pieces filled the air, providing a vibrant backdrop for the evening’s festivities.
Beyond the celebrations, the gala served as a crucial fundraising event. The over two million dollars raised will support HSA’s extensive arts programming and provide tuition assistance to students, ensuring that future generations have access to the transformative power of the arts. Each contribution highlighted the shared commitment to sustaining the arts and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
‘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 James C. Horton, President of HSA, ahead of the event. ‘We look forward to honoring those whose tireless efforts have echoed her legacy of uplifting underrepresented and underserved communities through the arts.’
Board member and gala committee member Sandra Buchanan Hurse emphasized the life-changing impact of arts education, stating that ‘The funds raised this evening provide access to arts programming for young people regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.’
Cheers to a successful celebration and the continued support for the Harlem School of the Arts!
