A free event honoring two major figures in Black dance and arts.

In a turbulent 1968, Celebrity Series of Boston took a chance with a one-night engagement of a dynamic African-American dance company. Choreographer Alvin Ailey’s mission to reflect and promote African-American traditions and art-making took hold in Boston that night. Across town that year, Boston arts educator and social activist Elma Lewis founded the National Center of Afro-American Artists to enhance appreciation for black art forms and their practitioners. It remains the largest independent Black cultural arts institution in New England.

Join us for a FREE event celebrating these groundbreaking cultural leaders in a lively discussion with their friends, colleagues, and some of today’s artists inspired by their work.

Moderated by WGBH's Callie Crossley

Panel: Judith Jameson, E. Barry Gaither, Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga, and our very own Jean Appolon!