Dr. Michael Lomax, Carmen de Lavallade, NBAF Chair Sonya Halpern and former chair, Evern Cooper Epps
Written by | Ray Cornelius
The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) held its 25th Anniversary Gala on Friday night in Atlanta. The event served as the culminating celebration for what has been a three-month long tribute to arts and culture and was hosted by actress Ana Maria Horsford.
Held at Georgia State’s Rialto Center for the Arts, the event recognized the contributions of artists, historians, critics and politicians who have built important and enduring legacies in their fields. Awards were given in the categories of music, theater, dance, film, visual arts and literature.
The living legends included dancer Geoffrey Holder (who was unable to travel) and his wife Carmen de Lavallade, theater director Woodie King, Jr., film legend Pam Grier, Poet Amiri Baraka, visual Artist and writer Faith Ringgold and Reggae Ambassadors Third World. Current UNCF President and CEO and former Fulton County Commissioner Dr. Michael Lomax, was also recognized for his contributions as one of the Festival’s founding chairs.
The evening also featured special appearances by visual artist Carrie Mae Weems, Pan African Film Festival Executive Director Ayuko Babu, former NBAF director Stephanie Hughley and Third World’s Stephen “Cat” Coore. Grammy-winning jazz artist Russell Gunn served as the evening’s musical director.
Providing tributes to the honorees were vocalists Julie Dexter, Dionne Farris, Rhonda Thomas, and Kathleen Bertrand, who performed a rock-soul inspired version of Nina Simone’s “Four Women.” Poet extraordinaire Jessica Care Moore, The Axam Dance Theater Experience and Youth Ensemble Atlanta rounded out the rest of the evening’s tributes.
The NBAF 25th Anniversary Gala was sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company.
Check out photos below:
Actress Anna Maria Horsford served as the host for this year’s 25th Anniversary gala
The Axam Dance Theater Experience performed a tribute to Carmen De Lavallade & Goeffrey Holder
Honoree Carmen de Lavallade receiving her award
Photographer and visual artist Carrie Mae Weems presenting to honoree Faith Ringgold
Honoree Faith Ringgold receiving her award
Kathleen Bertrand, Rhonda Thomas, Dionne Farris and Julie Dexter performing “Four Women”
Former NBAF Director Stephanie Hughley presenting award to honoree Woodie King, Jr.
Honoree Woodie King, Jr. receiving his award
Poet and Spoken Word artist Jessica Care Moore performs
PAFF Executive Director Ayuko Babu presenting to film icon, Pam Grier
Honoree Amira Baraka receiving his award
Atlanta’s Youth Ensemble of Atlanta (YEA) saluting the honorees with a medley of Gospel classics
RC with Mike Moss, Carrie Mae Weems and Pam Grier
RC with Carmen de Lavallade
RC with Pan African Film Festival Executive Director, Ayuko Babu
Photo Credit: Megan Alodie for RayCornelius.com
