In celebration of Black History Month, the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Black Alumni Network recently hosted The Wiz Emerald City Experience fundraiser, a pre-show reception for the school’s Black History Month All-School Musical production of The Wiz.
“The Emerald City Experience was a celebratory pre-show fundraiser where we are raising $50,000 for scholarships for deserving Black student artists here at HSPVA,” said BAN founder and president Denise Ward. “The money raised will be going to scholarships for students; all areas, all art areas, all grades, just so that they can cultivate their futures, whether it be in summer training intensives or going off to college to pursue their passions.”
Guests were guided by the yellow brick road to Emerald City, located on HSPVA’s second floor, where the attire was “You’ve Got to Be Seen Green.” Attendees then experienced Black culture and arts illuminated through green-colored lenses, and performed by HSPVA drama, dance and music students.
“The Wiz is the Black History Month production here at HSPVA this year. It is an over 30-year program that has been fundamental to HSPVA’s history,” added Ward, an HSPVA Class of 2012 Vocal Department alum.
Co-chairs and visionary creators of the event were Nicque Montgomery and Yekcira Burnom. Honorary co-chairs were Ahmad and Tanisha Islam.
“We’re honored to be honorary co-chairs for this purposeful event,” said Ahmad Islam. “Not only am I honorary co-chair, I’m father of a senior theater student who has thrived and done amazingly well at this amazing school.”
Houston City Councilmember Letitia Plummer (At-Large Position 4), was on hand, encouraging attendees to donate, noting that many public schools have lost their funding for arts programming and that efforts such as the event put together by BAN was critically important to supporting young people in the arts.
Other attendees included Dr. Alana Curry, entrepreneur Kim Roxie and former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins.
Proceeds from HSPVA BAN’s Emerald City Experience benefit the college scholarship and summer intensive training fund for HSPVA Black student artists. BAN’s goal was $50,000. And though they came up slightly short, the group is still accepting donations.
“We’re excited to invite the city to support our student performers by joining us… and helping us raise $50k in scholarship funds,” said Ward.
To donate, go to givebutter.com/emeraldcityexperience.
