Benefit Soiree Honorees, Pat Bonner and Jason Moran (Jazz ‘93)
Executive Board
President
Denise Ward (Vocal '12)
Vice President
Capra Fellows (Theatre '11)
Secretary
Gabby Byrd (Vocal '11)
Treasurer
Kierra Martin (Dance '13)
Parliamentarian
Malcolm Jackson (Instrumental '10)
Committee Chairs
Communications Chair
Jordan Woods (Dance '13)
Engagement Chair
Edward Bell (Vocal '10)
Scholarship Chair
Taylar Lewis (Theatre '11)
Contributors
Malcolm Jackson
Kiara Wade (Vocal ‘13)
Raechelle Steward (Instrumental ‘08)
Denise Ward
Gabby Byrd, Editor
Pat Bonner and Jason Moran
Photo courtesy of Andre Kelley.
Friends,
It’s been a while. We know it’s been almost a year since our last Check-In, and so much has happened with the HSPVA Black Alumni Network since last fall!
This month marks eight years of this incredible community a space created to connect and celebrate Black alumni while championing the next generation of HSPVA creatives We started off with a free Canva account and a dream, and look at us now! What started as a few folks wanting to stay in touch has grown into something much bigger and more meaningful than any of us could have imagined.
I love that we’re now at a point where we have our own “traditions.” Our last event, the Senior Pinning, has become one of my favorites it’s where alumni return to pin graduating seniors It’s a simple, beautiful rite of passage that perfectly symbolizes the village we’ve built by uplifting each other and lovingly guiding the next generation
With that next generation in mind, we raised over $50,000 towards our scholarship fund while celebrating Pat Bonner and Jason Moran at our 2025 Scholarship Benefit Soirée. That night was everything. It was a moment for Black joy, a multi-generational reunion, and a purpose-filled evening that reminded us of how powerful we are when we come together to intentionally invest in our future and honor those who paved the way
We’ve also been able to provide amazing in-person and virtual programming to the network, thanks to our partnership with Janice Bond at ART IS BOND Gallery From workshops to insightful discussions, alumni and students connected, learned, and grew together.
Of course, this year has had heartbreaks, too The cancellation of the HSPVA Black History Production after 45 years hit us hard That show was where many of us found our voice, confidence, and sense of belonging Losing it hurts, but it reminds us why we fight to protect the spaces that shaped us and why we’ll keep showing up for one another, for our students, and for the legacy we carry forward. We’re not giving up or backing down.
Even with ups and downs, I’m inspired by how our alumni continue to show up. I invite you to turn the pages and see all we’ve accomplished this year. As you do, think about how you can get involved by mentoring, volunteering, attending events, or sharing your story.
Thank you for being part of this family and keeping HSPVA’s Black legacy alive.
PEACE & BLESSINGS,
Denise Ward, PRESIDENT HSPVA BLACK ALUMNI NETWORK
This is where you’ll see photos from Recent BAN
creative bond mixer ART IS BOND - October 2024
speed mentor match
- November 2024 Be a mentor! Are you an alum who wants to be a mentor for BAN and BSU’s Annual Speed Mentor Match on November 11, 2025 at 5pm CT? Fill out the form here or email us at admin@hspvablackalumni.com to begin registration.
Photos from BAN’s 2024 Speed Mentor Match
holiday jam
Studio Eight08 - December 2024
It’s officially holiday season and almost time for our winter Homecoming!
Mark your calendars now and join us at Studio Eight08 for this year’s Annual Holiday Jam on December 28, 2025 at 6pm!
Experience great music, rekindle old connections, and make room for new memories!
Tickets on sale soon via Eventbrite.
Photos from BAN’s 2024 Holiday Jam
The Nichols Venue - March 2025
senior pinning, scholarship award ceremony, & sunset soiree
Studio Eight08 - June 2025
2025 Creative Team Meetings
Interested in planning events, cultivating new programs, creating digital content, connecting with alumni, or supporting current students we’d love to have you on the HSPVA Black Alumni Network Creative Team!
Join us every six weeks on Saturdays at 10am CT via Zoom:
14
25
6
Alumni
Micro-Grant Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
We are proud to support our talented alumni through this grant program aimed at fostering creative endeavors in the performing and visual arts. This grant is intended to assist alumni in producing or participating in public showcases of their work.
Eligible applicants must:
● Be Black alumni of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA)
● Be actively involved in the planning, production, or performance of a public showcase in the performing or visual arts
● Have a confirmed or expected showcase date between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026
A Legacy Worth Protecting
Honoring 45 Years of the Black History Production at HSPVA and Advocating for Its Future
For more than 45 years, the HSPVA Black History Production has been more than just a performance it has been a rite of passage, a cultural celebration, and a bold declaration that Black stories matter. This beloved tradition began in 1980, when students supported by faculty member Ms. Bobbie Moorehead—created the first HSPVA Black History Production. Since then, it has evolved into a vibrant showcase of the beauty, complexity, and joy of the Black experience, uplifting Black history, the diaspora, and the richness of our stories through the arts. For generations of HSPVA students, it has fostered pride, belonging, and freedom of expression while strengthening the school’s legacy of artistic excellence.
When news of its cancellation reached our community without warning or transparency, the collective response was swift and powerful To the students who spoke up, the parents who rallied, the alumni who organized, and the broader community who stood in solidarity we thank you Your passion reminded us all of the profound importance of protecting not just programs, but the purpose behind them
This past May, BAN leaders met with Principal Dr. Priscilla Rivas to understand the rationale and offer support in preserving the production We were told the decision was based on curricular conflicts, strain on resources, student wellness concerns, a shift toward process over product, lack of inclusivity, and efforts to promote equity A smaller-scale student showcase within the Diversity Series Koffee House was named as its replacement for the mainstage Black History Production.
In response, BAN held a virtual town hall with parents, current students, and alumni to ensure our community was informed and had a voice. Many students and families shared that they had not been meaningfully engaged before the decision, leaving them blindsided and excluded from a process that directly affects them.
The Black History Production is a symbol of what is possible when institutions invest in Black creativity as an essential part of the school’s cultural and artistic identity—not just during Black History Month To reframe or reduce this tradition without genuine collaboration sends a message that its value is conditional.
We are calling for:
Transparency about the future of the Black History Production, including clarity on whether it will return in its full scope and spirit.
Equity of investment, ensuring the production receives the same resources, artistic attention, and institutional support as other major school-wide performances
Shared decision-making, where students, parents, faculty, and alumni come together to safeguard this legacy and shape its future
The HSPVA Black Alumni Network remains committed to being an active partner in this process We are not here to point fingers we are here to build a future where students of all backgrounds see their cultures affirmed and celebrated on the main stage, with the full backing of the institutions that shape them.
To every person who raised their voice: you reminded the world that legacy matters and that Black stories deserve space, care, and celebration. When we show up united, informed, and unapologetic, we can change the conversation
Let’s keep going and protect what we’ve built Together, we can ensure the next generation inherits more than just memories they inherit momentum
Fela! - 2019 HSPVA Spring All School Black History Production
Photo on opposite page: After Midnight - 2024 HSPVA Spring All School Black History Production Photo by Ken Knezick
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Tarion Taylor-Anderson (Theatre ‘10) joins the cast of Odessa’s Cajun Cabaret to tell the story of a grandson who inherits his grandmother's juke joint after her death The production is written, directed, and presented by Julian Austin in association with Uprise Experience: Houston Black Theatre Week.
Time: 3pm
Location: DeLUXE Theatre (Houston, TX)
Tickets: 1989dreams.com/odessascabaret
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Every second and fourth Monday of the month, vocalist Gabby Byrd (Vocal ‘11) performs arrangements of soul, r&b , and pop classics with her band, Gabby & The Byrds, at their residency in the heart of Dallas’ live music scene.
Time: 7pm
Location: The Free Man (Dallas, TX)
Tickets: Free Admission
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Every Wednesday, vocalist Jonquel Holiday (Vocal ‘19) performs with Leaux Fye Tribe at their weekly jam session inside Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Come for the laid-back lounge vibes, stay for the happy hour specials.
Time: 5pm
Location: Virgin Hotels (New Orleans, LA)
Tickets: Free Admission
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Rapper Trae Perry (Visual ‘13) will be performing as the headlining artist at Inspire Church’s Hallelujah Night, a Christian hip hop concert. Join them for an evening of music, faith, and community
Time: 7pm
Location: Inspire Church (Houston)
Tickets: Free Admission
The seventh annual edition of Robert Glasper’s (Jazz ‘97) “Robtober” residency at Blue Note NYC is happening now and continues through November 2nd! Check out his website or social media to see which special guests he’ll be featuring.
Location: Blue Note (New York)
Tickets: bluenotejazz.com
Saxophonist Everette Harp (Jazz ‘79), as part of the band Jazz Funk Soul, will be performing jazz, funk, and soul at Keystone Korner Baltimore.
Time: 6pm
Location: Keystone Korner (Baltimore, MD)
Tickets: keystonekornerbaltimore.com
1 1 / 1 4 h a p p e n i n g s .
GOT SOMETHING HAPPENING SOON?
Let us know and we'll help spread the word! Email us at admin@hspvablackalumin.com or send us a DM on Instagram.
Impactful Presence
by Gabby Byrd
Patricia “Pat” Bonner was raised primarily in Houston’s West End (around Washington Avenue and Heights Boulevard) and lived across the street from her maternal grandparents In addition to her grandfather having only sisters, he and his wife raised eight daughters, all of which had multiple children As a result, Ms Bonner grew up alongside several cousins–15 first cousins–that she would see regularly at church, at their grandparents’ house on Sunday afternoons, or at school Since these were times of segregation, Black students from various neighborhoods and grade levels were forced to attend the same school and ride the city bus there, often passing several other schools and whitesonly school buses in the process
Still, Ms Bonner enjoyed going to school with her family and neighborhood friends and deeply admired her teachers In fact, her early elementary teachers at Harper School are the ones who motivated her to teach She didn’t know what subject she wanted to teach then, but she knew she was impressed by how much her teachers gave of themselves; they rarely ever missed a day of class. “They were so dedicated and so kind and they seemed to enjoy so much what they were doing,” she says.
Although resources were limited at Black schools, Ms. Bonner remembers that “even in segregated Houston, every single school had a very developed arts program.” At Harper and at Booker T. Washington High School, they had various instruments in the classrooms and occasionally took field trips to the opera and symphony, both inciting her love for classical music. As a member of her schools’ glee clubs, she was exposed to folk tunes and choral music that differed from the kind she sang at church, and she learned how to sight-sing.
conversation.
Top - Standing far right alongside her maternal grandparents, aunts, and 15 first cousins Bottom - Standing middle, with HSPVA History teacher Mr Boyce and Assistant Principal Lawrence Anderson to the right Above - Ms Bonner’s senior photo (above) Photos courtesy of Ms Bonner
When Jason Moran was growing up in Houston’s historic Third Ward, music permeated the entire neighborhood At MacGregor Elementary, the magnet school he and his brothers attended, the Suzuki method of learning piano or violin was a requirement for all students. In the streets, radio dials were set to KTSU 90.9 FM and rehearsals for Texas Southern University’s (TSU) Ocean of Soul marching band could be heard from miles away. When he hung out with his skateboarder friends, hip hop punctuated their movements. Speaking about the way the neighborhood and its aural landscape impact his artistry, Jason says, “It’s everything… it impacts, especially, the way I talk and the way I think about my pride. My Black pride comes specifically from Third Ward.”
He finds pride in the way S.H.A.P.E. Cultural Community Center has always engaged the community and how the Shrine of the Black Madonna “combines politics and spirituality in one place.” He remembers playing tennis with his friends and seeing former professional tennis player, Zina Garrison, on the courts at MacGregor Park. Though he didn’t think much about his surroundings at the time, they represented an expansive view of what was possible and attainable for Black people “It didn't feel like any kind of idea or any kind of intellectual thought or anything economically was out of bounds,” he says This attitude resonated in the Moran household as well
Jason’s mother–whose side of the family is native to Third Ward–was an educator and business owner, and his father was an investment banker from Houston’s Pleasantville area In an effort to keep Jason and his two brothers busy and off the streets, they kept their sons involved in music lessons, sports, and frequently had family outings to concerts or dance performances Mr Moran, who had dreams of becoming a musician himself, possessed a large record collection that included a diverse range of artists from Led Zeppelin and James Brown to Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk At age 13, when Jason heard Monk’s “Round Midnight” playing in his parents’ bedroom, he was attracted to the way it felt “open to possibility.”
Top - Performing at an HSPVA Jazz event Photo courtesy of Doc Morgan Bottom - In his childhood bedroom, wearing a Monk t-shirt, decorated with several Thelonious Monk album covers Photo courtesy of Moran Above - With his parents Photo courtesy of Houston Chronicle
Possibility presented itself, too, when state universities happened to desegregate the same year Ms. Bonner became a senior at Booker T. High School. By then, she knew she wanted to teach music and knew staying in Texas for college would be the most affordable option for her family. Though she was accepted into the music programs at TSU, North Texas State University (now University of North Texas), and University of Houston (U of H), she chose the latter because the others would have been too expensive–even after receiving scholarships and student loans If she hadn’t attended U of H, there’s no telling whether she ever would have taught at HSPVA
Periodically, during her junior year at U of H, her Choral Music Education instructor would invite guest teachers to come speak to the class about their work This is how Ms Bonner met Jean Galloway, the woman who would later become HSPVA’s first choir director A year after they met, when it came time for Ms. Bonner to fulfill her student teaching requirements, she was assigned to Ms. Galloway’s school: Sterling High. After earning her degree and all-levels teaching certificate, she applied to work for Houston Independent School District (HISD) and was placed at Albert Thomas Middle School.
By the end of her fifth year at Thomas, HSPVA had opened and Ms. Galloway had transitioned there from Sterling. In 1973, when enrollment at PVA was extended to grades 10-12, the need for a part-time choir director arose and Ms. Galloway called on Ms. Bonner. Since Ms. Bonner had taken busloads of students from Thomas to see performances at the original PVA campus, she was wellacquainted with the school and the unique environment it fostered When Ms Bonner interviewed with HSPVA Founder Ruth Denney, Denney simply said, “Well, Jean wants you to come Do you want to come?” The rest is herstory
For Jason, his relationship to Thelonious Monk’s music is what prompted his journey to PVA. After attending Lamar High School for his freshman year, his parents realized that PVA’s music program would likely be more beneficial for him, so they encouraged him to audition for the school’s Jazz Department Chair, Robert “Doc” Morgan. At the time, Jason had been working through a Monk transcription book, so he decided to play Monk’s ballad called “Ruby, My Dear.” It’s “definitely not something a 10th grader should play,” Jason says, “but I was playing what Thelonious Monk played–literally, it was the transcription.” Doc was very impressed. Years later, in 2016, the DocFest Board of Directors inducted him into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame.
With Jean Galloway, HSPVA’s first Choral Director Photo courtesy of Ms Bonner
In the choir room at the HSPVA Stanford campus Photo courtesy of Ms Bonner
When Jason arrived at PVA as a 10th grader, his peers were the ones who impressed him ”It wasn't just that they were playing great, it was also that they were cool,” he says They made him want to practice a lot and ask them questions, especially his older peers who were close to graduating Bassist Eddie Weiner (‘92) in particular served as “a link to things that were happening in New York,” and heightened Jason’s fixation with the city Later, when Jason started pursuing his bachelor’s at Manhattan School of Music (MSM), he became that link and–with the help of drummer Eric Harland (‘94)–started building a tribe. “I didn't know how inspired I was by the people at PVA until I left them and then I missed them,” he reflects. As is customary with PVA alumni, he and many of his classmates continue to be frequent collaborators.
In 2010, after being awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, one of the first things he did was organize “713 to 212: Houstonians in NYC,” a two-day festival that celebrated generations of Houston musicians–young and old–who were living and working in New York. Some of them were fellow alumni, and some were older musicians that Doc had previously brought in to give masterclasses–that was one of the main things he valued most about the program under Doc’s leadership. “It's one thing to learn from what's happening at PVA, but it's another thing to learn from a musician who's been all around the world playing the music,” he says. By then creating this opportunity to hear and acknowledge his PVA peers who had also played all around the world and become successful in their own right, he facilitated his own masterclass of sorts
In addition to having Black jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, Barry Harris, and Billy Taylor in the classroom, Jason mentioned how powerful it was to have Mr Boyce, an HSPVA history teacher, see and affirm him at a time when he was reading and learning about identity He remembers, “It was just good to have somebody on faculty who would understand what you were discovering and say, ‘Yeah, keep searching for more because some of these things are not going to come up in the class ’” He adds that it was incredible to have Black teachers like Ms Bonner and Ms. Smith-Williams at the school because they “really had a mark that they expected you to meet” and gave so much energy to their students.
With pianist Ellis Marsalis in 1992 (above) With pianist McCoy Tyner, surrounded by several of his HSPVA classmates, in 1991 (right) Photos courtesy of Moran
In 2019, just before Ms. Bonner retired, she made history as one of the few teachers to teach at all three HSPVA campuses By then, she had taught at PVA for 48 years and had never even considered retirement “I was blessed with good health, I enjoyed what I was doing, I enjoyed working with the students, and it was just a pleasure to get up and go to the school everyday,” she says Even in retirement, current PVA students and alumni alike can regularly find her at the Kinder campus or at their performances because she enjoys “seeing the students and seeing young people flourish and go after their dreams ” She especially delights in seeing alumni return to the school to visit with the students
It’s one of the things she appreciates about BAN. “It has those sessions where alums can come and talk with the students. I think that’s very important,” she says. “They need to hear from somebody who has been there, who has done that, and who looks like them.” Considering our country’s current political climate and how it relates to educational funding, it’s clear that BAN’s mission of supporting the next generation with resources and opportunities is needed now more than ever. Ms. Bonner says, “It just pleases my heart that young people are giving back like BAN is giving back. Any organization where young people are giving back or trying to help someone pay it forward, that just pleases me to high heaven ”
When thinking about the impact the HSPVA community has had on her life, Ms Bonner says it has been a blessing, and she has always felt “blessed to be a blessing” to so many others Similarly, when asked about the kind of legacy she wishes to leave behind, she urges her students and colleagues to “be a blessing for someone else, support someone who needs it, and always present yourselves in such a way that people know you are of good character ” To put it plainly,
“ d o n ’ t b e c ra s s a
d . ”
Top left - Ms Bonner at an alum’s performance in NYC, alongside several other alumni Photo courtesy of BAN Top
right - Ms Bonner being honored at DocFest 2019 Photo by David DeHoyos Middle - With alumni at a 2022 HSPVA BAN Homecoming event Photo by J Michael Photography
Bottom - Pointing to the Kinder HSPVA recital named after her Photo courtesy of Ms Bonner
As the father of two teenage sons, Jason has been mindful of his legacy for quite some time Of course, as a musician, composer, educator, multidisciplinary artist, curator, artistic director, and archivist, his legacy could be preserved through the work he does under any number of these titles However, through his administration of the HSPVA Moran Scholarship Award his parents created and through the presence he manages to maintain in the lives of both students and alumni, his legacy will always reflect his dedication to honoring the past and empowering the present into the future One piece of advice he has for Black PVA students: don’t stop
“ T
h e r e wi l l b e a l ot o f h i l l s ”
b u t wh e n yo u g et to t h e to p o f it , yo u have a vi ew. ” he says, First, you have to go up
Top right - At the piano, with fellow pianist and alum Robert Glasper (‘97) Middle right - With pianist Paul Cornish (‘14), recipient of the 2014 HSPVA Moran Scholarship Award Bottom right - With drummer Kendrick Scott (‘98), celebrating Moran’s birthday at his NYC home earlier this year Photos courtesy of Moran
Top left - With his twin sons in 2014 Middle left - With several HSPVA alumni from the 90s Bottom left - In the jazz room at the HSPVA Stanford campus with several students
in.terlude
Dedicated to our 2025 Scholarship Benefit Soiree Honorees: Jason Moran and Pat Bonner
scan playlist
Ain’t Misbehavin’ - Jason Moran
Miuzi Weighs A Ton - Public Enemy
The Bridge is Over - Boogie Down Productions
‘Round Midnight - Thelonious Monk
Intermezzo, Op 119, No 2 - Live - Jason Moran
A Love Supreme, Pt. I - John Coltrane
Mentor’s Prose - Greg Osby
Gangsterism On Canvas - Jason Moran
Yojimbo - Jason Moran
I’ll Play the Blues For You - Jason Moran
I’m a Bluesman - Juke Boy Bonner
Come Sunday - Sullivan Fortner
Gentle Shifts South - Jason Moran
Feeling Good - Alicia Hall Moran
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
- Archie Shepp & Jason Moran
Break Down - Jason Moran
Crepuscule With Nellie - Jason Moran
Freedmen’s Town - James Francies
Gangsterism on Moranish - Walter Smith III
Keep That Same Old Feeling - The Crusaders
On My Block - Scarface
Kaye and Alex Dewalt
creativity in others His journey reflects the curiosity, innovation, and dedication to craft that HSPVA instills in its students Robert Glasper continues to redefine modern music while uplifting the next generation of artists
Learn
2025 Scholarship benefit soiree sponsors
call board.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
VISUAL ARTISTS: REVOLT is looking for Black artists of the diaspora to submit their work that tells stories of culture, heritage, and future-making. Accepted submissions will be featured at REVOLT Art Fair Miami Art Basel happening this December.
Deadline: October 28, 2025
Learn more at revolt.tv/
VISUAL ARTISTS: Applications for Project Row Houses’ Artist Residency Program are open now! Selected artists will receive subsidized studio space in Houston’s Third Ward, support from PRH staff, and access to a community of artists, neighbors and cultural workers
Deadline: October 28, 2025
Learn more at: projectrowhouses.org
ENTREPRENEURS: The HerRise MicroGrant is currently accepting applications for under-resourced women, women of color, and women entrepreneurs to secure funding for their community-impacting small businesses.
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Learn more at: hersuitespot.com/herrise
MUSICIANS: For the last 45 years, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has existed to advance the appreciation and knowledge of jazz by “programming music that richly underscores the continuing creativity and diversity of the artists and themusicitself.”ApplynowtoperformatthefestivalhappeningnextJune.
Deadline:November1,2025
Learnmoreat:ottawajazzfestival.com
call board.
FILMMAKERS: Submit your film for inclusion in the 30th annual American Black Film Festival happening in Miami Beach next May.
Early Deadline: November 7, 2025
Learn more at: abff.com/miami/submissions
COLLEGE UNDERGRADS: The Quinn Coleman Scholarship honors the vibrant legacy of Quinn Coleman by supporting college students who are shaping the future of music through innovation, storytelling, and impact
Deadline: November 14, 2025
Learn more at: grammymuseum org/education
DANCERS: Take advantage of HTX Connect’s 2025
Winter Intensive for ages 8+ intermediate/advanced level dancers! Morgan Manning (Dance ‘21) will serve as one of the guest instructors
Dates: December 20-21, 2025
Location: The PAC (Cypress, TX)
Learn more and register at: htxconnect713 com
WRITERS: Aroko is in search of fiction that breathes new life into folklore from Africa and the African Diaspora and draws from folktales, myths, fables, legends, and folkloric figures whether reimagined, adapted, or wholly invented.
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Learn more at: aroko world
straightA's
a.cknowledgements class notes.
Blair Ledet (Vocal ‘10)
Honored by The Black Girls Golden Ticket Committee for her excellence in journalism and positive impact for the city of St Louis (top)
Chelsey Cartwright (Instrumental '08)
Received Emerson College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award (right).
Autumn Knight (Theatre ‘98)
Gave an experimental performance as part of “Eldorado Ballroom Houston,” a series curated by Saint Heron (above)
AshleyTamarDavis
Brandon Willis (Vocal ‘12)
Debuted his first full-length original musical, Toothrina Von Twinkle, at The Wortham Theater (left)
Elle Lorraine (Theatre ‘03)
As part of the How to Die Alone cast, she won Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series at Film Independent’s 2025 Spirit Awards (far right)
Marissa Lee (Dance ‘14)
Performed at the 2025 Grammy Awards alongside Shakira (far left)
Cami Moses (Vocal ‘20)
Chosen as a semi-finalist in the 2025 Opera Ebony Competition (left)
OR. (V ed into Berkle e of Music’s G Hall of Fame (
Robert Glasper (Jazz ‘97)
His film scoring work on Luther: Never Too Much received the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary Film (center)
Tarion Anderson (Theatre ‘10)
Opened for Jacquees’ recent show at Warehouse Live in Houston (right)
Justin Simien (Theatre ‘01)
For Hollywood Black, he received two 2025 minations for Best Documentary and Arts & Culture Documentary (center).
Marwan Ghonima (Jazz ‘21)
Bassist chosen as a 2026 DACAMERA Young Artist (middle, bottom)
special congratulations
Last year, Stephanie York Blue (Instrumenta and Ashley Tamar Davis (Vocal ‘98) were ind into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame. On Novem 8th, at this year’s DocFest, brothers Daleton (Jazz ‘99) & Brandon Lee (Jazz ‘01) will join t
a.lbums
and other music news (cont.)
Peyton Booker (Vocal ‘15)
Performed at the 2025 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia and recently released her latest album, Au, via Stones Throw Records (top).
Malcolm Jackson (Instrumental ‘10)
Released a new albums entitled Interchange and A Striking Brilliance Listen now on Bandcamp (right)
Olly Sholotan (Theatre ‘15)
Check out his duet with PENG PENG called “I Like It” (left).
Reggie Quinerly (Jazz ‘99)
Recently released his second EP, The Connoisseur Series Vol 2 The album celebrates the music of composer Harold Battiste Jr (center)
Robert Glasper (Jazz ‘97)
His latest album, Keys to the City Vol. 1, is streaming everywhere now (bottom right)
Samantha Williams (Theatre ‘15)
Hear her performance of Mabel in the original Broadway revival cast album of Pirates! The Penzance Musical, streaming everywhere now You can also catch WIlliams playing the role of Anna in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of Frozen from Nov. 26 - Jan. 11 (bottom left).
A.MADVYLXN aka Aaron Malone (Visual ‘11)
Download his new single, “Play” ft KingSoulja, on EVEN (bottom)
Know an alum whose name should be listed here in the next issue?
DeQuina Moore (Theatre '98)
Playing the role of Sweet Sue in the North American tour of Broadway’s “Some Like It Hot” until April 2026 (top)
Randy “WROSIV” Palmer (Visual ‘10)
Stars in a short silent film called Foolish of Me He was also named Artistic Director of Mobile Art Space Artists (far left)
Lovie Olivia (Visual ‘98)
Her exhibition “SPACE SCAPE” is on view at Tinney Contemporary in Nashville, TN now until November 15 (center)
Email us at hspvablackalumninetwork@gmail com or send us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram
Grantham Coleman (Theatre ‘08)
Playing the role of Henry Bolingbroke in Red Bull Theater’s production of Shakespeare’s Richard II from Oct 28-Nov 30 at Off-Broadway's Astor Place Theatre (left)
Anthony Suber (Visual ‘98)
Curated “MEDITATE MEDITATE MEDITATE: The Pause Between Waves,” a two-person exhibition featuring works by Chap Edmonson and Mark Francis On view at Sanman Studios in Houston until October 25th (left)
Robert Hodge (Visual ‘98)
His exhibition “Collect It For the Culture” is on view at Studio Eight08 in Houston until December 2025 (right)
kimberly hebert gregory ‘
1972 - 2025
The HSPVA Black Alumni Network honors Kimberly Hébert Gregory (Theatre ’90) a Houston native, dynamic artist, and advocate whose brilliance illuminated every stage she touched Even as a student, Kimberly’s creative voice was unmistakable As an HSPVA senior, she wrote and directed the school’s Black History Show and, the following year, penned and directed To Build a Nation (1991) Both productions celebrated Black resilience and creativity, themes that would define her life’s work
After HSPVA, Kimberly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Her artistry and empathy merged beautifully in her founding of The Black Rebirth Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Black artists and fostering community through performance, mentorship, and shared cultural expression.
FRANCISCO ANDRADE
National audiences came to know Kimberly through her acclaimed work on stage and screen most notably as Dr. Belinda Brown in HBO’s Vice Principals. Her voice, intellect, and humor made her a beloved presence across projects like Better Call Saul, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Craig of the Creek
As fellow alum Christian Warner (Dance ’12) beautifully shared, “To know Kimberly is to have known love and joy personified meeting her in our work as a young child on the road was a consistent opportunity to watch a master at work in her craft, a lesson in how to hold and care for community, and a reminder of the Black brilliance signature to Houston and HSPVA”
Her legacy lives on in that brilliance in every artist she inspired, every story she helped tell, and every community she built
in memoriam.
who we are.
The purpose of the HSPVA Black Alumni Network is to connect Black alumni of The High School for Performing and Visual Arts, support alumni and current students’ endeavors, and provide resources, scholarships, and networking opportunities to champion the next generation of HSPVA artists and professionals
