In this calendar year alone the Kinder High School of Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) has broken more barriers and made more history than most high schools – arts-focused or not –in the country have combined.
Last October, the school that saw industry movers and shakers like Robert Glasper, Beyonce’, Jason Moran, Donnie Scantz, Adrienne Carter and scores more matriculate within their walls, made another kind of history – being the first school in the Lone Star state bold enough to present the production of “The Prom,” an award-winning Broadway musical about being accepting of all people, regardless of who they love.
More recently, Black History Month 2024 to be exact, HSPVA students put on a Broadway-quality production, “After Midnight,” an all-school musical based on the 2011 off-Broadway play “Cotton Club Parade.”
“After Midnight” placed the period commonly known as the Harlem Renaissance, but referred to by its participants as the New Negro Movement, on full display, highlighting the great musicians, singers, dancers and poets of the era.
“All the Black History All-School Musicals have been fantastic, but the recently closed ‘After Midnight’ truly stood out. It showcased incredible talent across all artistic disciplines, and the joyful celebration of Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes’ contributions to American music and poetry was unforgettable.”
Nicque montgomery
The cast, band members and production crew consisted of today’s high school students but tomorrow’s global stars, several of whom were featured by the Defender in the past.
But what’s equally impressive, if not more so, is the fact that HSPVA has a long history of game-changing productions, especially those that feature prominently Black student artists.
Every Black History Month, HSPVA’s Black students and others perform a show celebrating the culture. In 2023, they performed “The Wiz” to multiple sold-out crowds. Other past stand-out productions include “Dream Girls” and “The Color Purple.”
Nicque Montgomery, who is an HSPVA mom and HSPVA Black Legacy in the Arts, loves these productions, but does have a favorite.
“All the Black History All-School Musicals have been fantastic, but the recently closed ‘After Midnight’ truly stood out,” said Montgomery, whose son Jackson Swinton is a rising force in the acting world. “It showcased incredible talent across all artistic disciplines, and the joyful celebration of Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes’ contributions to American music and poetry was unforgettable.”
“The Black History Month (BHM) shows hold a special place in the hearts of those who have been a part of them, including myself,” said HSPVA Black Alumni Network president Denise Ward. “As a testament to their impact, the shows have not only been a highlight of my high school experience but have also served as the catalyst for the creation of the HSPVA Black Alumni Network. This network, inspired by the unique energy and communal spirit of the BHM rehearsal process, aims to connect past and present students, showcasing the wealth of opportunities available to them, thanks in no small part to the trailblazing efforts of HSPVA’s Black alumni.”
Ward said these productions have inspired other ground-breaking happening at the school.
“The ripple effect of the Black History shows at HSPVA has been profound, inspiring the formation of other cultural showcases like the HSPVA Latin Artistic Society’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month show. This expansion of cultural representation through the arts speaks to the legacy of the Black History shows, which served as a blueprint for celebrating diversity through performance. Furthermore, the evolution of the Koffee House into the broader “Diversity Series” highlights the school’s commitment to creating spaces where all students can see themselves reflected and celebrated,” she added.
And Ward gave a shout-out to those who laid the foundation.
The impetus of this tradition can be traced back to 1980, under the leadership of HSPVA teacher, “Madame” Bobbie Moorehead. Moorehead’s initiative to organize the first Black History show at the school set a precedent for student-led and directed showcases of HSPVA Black Excellence that would flourish in the years to come.
These productions, initially sparked by Moorehead’s dedication, quickly evolved into a cornerstone of HSPVA’s cultural and artistic expression.
Notably, Thomas Meloncon’s significant contributions in developing these Black History productions underscore the impact that dedicated educators and artists can have on nurturing the artistic growth of young talents. Similarly, previous directors like alumnae Ms. Brooke Barnes-Meeks and the late Mekeva McNeil have played a pivotal role in guiding the artistic direction of these shows, ensuring that each production not only entertains but educates and inspires.
And today’s students receive loads of support from HSPVA alumni, particularly BAN members.
BAN recently announced that Harlem Nights After Midnight, a 1920s-themed scholarship fundraising gala, raised over 52K for Black student scholarships and honored the contributions of two outstanding supporters of BAN. The event, held on Feb. 18, 2024, at the historic Eldorado Ballroom (2310 Elgin St., Houston, TX 77004) has become a BAN tradition – to host a fundraiser that corresponds with that particular year’s Black History All-School Musical.
Last year, BAN hosted “Emerald City,” a fundraiser that ran during HSPVA’s production of “The Wiz.”
Each year, BAN not only raises funds for student scholarships, but celebrates its own esteemed alumni and HSPVA teachers. This year’s honorees included Stephanie York Blue (Alumni Legacy Award) and Mignonne Anderson Goode (Community Impact Award) for their continued support of our HSPVA community.
