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NVLP HOLDS HISTORIC
GALA ON OCTOBER 17, 2003
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Through the Visionary Leadership Awards Gala, the National Visionary Leadership Project pays tribute to our outstanding Visionaries in the Performing Arts. Held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the inaugural NVLP gala honored Ray Charles, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee, Dick Gregory, Jimmy Heath, Geoffrey Holder, and Odetta. Phylicia Rashad hosted the celebration which included performances by younger protégés selected by the honorees, including Tracy Chapman, Mos Def, and Stephanie Mills. The entire event was videotaped and aired on public television. |
Phylicia Rashad greets NVLP Visionary Joe Adams who accepted the award for his long-time friend and client, Ray Charles. |
The Gala evening ended with an elegant, celebratory dinner in the Kennedy Center’s beautiful atrium. We hope to establish the Gala as NVLP’s signature fundraising event to help continue the work of preserving and disseminating the wisdom of our elders to inspire new generations of young leaders.
Click here to read the Washington Post article about the NVLP Gala.
Hip-hop musician and actor Mos Def pays tribute to Dick Gregory. |
Antonio Hart performs in honor of jazz legend Jimmy Heath. |
Dancer Desmond Richardson performs for Geoffrey Holder. |
Grammy Award-winner Tracy Chapman sings in honor of Odetta. |
Singer, actress and civil rights activist Odetta accepts her Visionary Leadership Award. |
Dick Gregory poses with his protégé, Mos Def.
