May 10, 1943 Judith Anna Jamison, dancer and choreographer, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jamison began studying dance at the age of 10 and made her New York City debut in 1964 in the ballet “The Four Marys” at the American Ballet Theater. In 1965, she joined the Alvin Ailey Company and soon became a […]
Tag Archives | Kennedy Center Honors
March 1st in African American History – Harold George “Harry” Belafonte, Jr.
March 1, 1927 Harold George “Harry” Belafonte, Jr., musician, actor and social activist, was born in New York City. Belafonte served in the United States Navy during World War II and after his discharge began his music career singing in clubs to pay for acting classes.
February 4th in African American History – Raiford Chatman “Ossie” Davis
February 4, 2005 Raiford Chatman “Ossie” Davis, actor, director, playwright and social activist, died. Davis was born December 18, 1917 in Cogdell, Georgia. He began his acting career in 1939 with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem. Davis made his film debut in “No Way Out” (1950) and over the next 55 years appeared in […]
January 29th in African American History – Oprah Gail Winfrey
January 29, 1954 Oprah Gail Winfrey, television host, producer, businesswoman and philanthropist, was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. At the age of 17, Winfrey won an oratorical contest which secured her a full scholarship to Tennessee State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. In 1983, she moved to Chicago to host […]