45th Anniversary Gala featuring The Fisk Jubilee Singers

The St. Louis Black Repertory Company announces its 45th Anniversary Season GALA featuring a performance by the Grammy Award-winning Fisk University Jubilee Singers Saturday, November 13, 2021, at the 560 Music School building at 560 Trinity Avenue. Hank Webber and Keith Williamson are the co-chairs of the fundraising event.

The Frankie Muse Freeman Spirit Award, honoring individuals who exemplify her spirit, courage, commitment to social justice, community service, and appreciation of the arts, will be presented to Kim Norwood, Henry H. Oberschelp Professor of Law at Washington University in St. Louis and posthumously to Dr. Johnathan Smith, who served as Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement as well as President of The Black Rep’s Board of Directors.

The Woodie King, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing artists who, during their lifetime, have made significant contributions in the arts and have been a major influence in  Black Theatre, will be presented to gifted actress Starletta DuPois, Dennis Reagan, President and CEO of The Muny, and prolific theatre director and educator Ed Smith. 

The President’s Award will be presented to long-time community supporter Keith Williamson, President at Centene Charitable Foundation.

Now numbering 16, The Fisk Jubilee Singers started as a nine-member choral ensemble created by George L. White at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. On October 6, 1871, they began their very first tour performing Negro spirituals originally sung by slaves before the American Civil War with intentions of earning money to help save their school. In 2021, 150 years after the original group was formed, the vocal group’s album “Celebrating Fisk!” was named Best Roots Gospel Album, earning them their first Grammy.

Concert seating will be at 50% occupancy; proof of vaccination or a negative test result will be required for all attendees, and masks are required, even when you are seated in pods and distanced. For tickets or more information, contact The Black Rep at 314-534-3807 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

https://www.theblackrep.org/annual-gala