Focus

Thousands of mourners pay respects to Cicely Tyson in Harlem

Thousand’s of mourners lined a New York City block in Harlem on Monday outside the famous Abyssinian Baptist Church, to pay their respects to Cicely Tyson at a public viewing. Some said they had come from as far as Atlanta or Los Angeles.

Many in the multigenerational crowd held photos of Tyson, who died January 28, 2021, aged 96. Her family said masks and social distancing would be required at

photos by Seitu Oronde

the viewing.

Tyson was the first Black woman to have a recurring role in a dramatic television series, the 1963 drama “East Side, West Side.” Her performance as a sharecropper’s wife in the 1972 movie “Sounder” earned an Oscar nomination.

She went on to win two Emmy awards for playing a 110-yearold former slave in the 1974 television drama “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and another 20 years later for “Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.”

At the age of 88, Tyson won a Tony award for a revival of Horton Foote’s “The Trip to Bountiful” in 2013.

In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Cicely Tyson the medal of freedom.

This shouldn’t be how we say hello...or goodbye.

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings. The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL-DINING WITH THE DIVAS

‘Dining with the Divas’ Valentine’s Day celebration was virtual bliss

By Audrey J. Bernard Society Editor

Dining with the Divas is a special luncheon hosted annually by the Apollo Theater during Black History Month. The lavish luncheon is dedicated to advancing women’s leadership through art education, and highlighting extraordinary women from many industries who serve as role models and mentors. The eagerly awaited event is usually held on the famed Apollo Theater stage and attracts hundreds of influencers from all walks of life. The empowering program starts with a lively champagne reception followed by a delectable lunch impeccably catered by Great Performances. During lunch Dining with the Divas honors exceptional women who are accomplishing extraordinary feats. The sweetheart event ends with each guest departing with a fabulous swag bag and heading over to the celebrated Red Rooster for a post-party celebration where they continue networking over cocktails and music.

Although COVID called for drastic changes in the usual elaborate planning, the virtual luncheon took place without a hitch and was attended by hundreds of diverse and influential women who participated in empowering opportunities; and the glitz and glamour associated with Dining with the Divas prevailed!

On Thursday, February 11, 2021, the Apollo Theater held its annual Dining with the Divas luncheon at 12pm EST. This year, the annual fundraiser honored Stacey Abrams with the inaugural Living Legends Award. In accepting her award, Abrams buoyed the sold-out virtual audience pontificating about her powerful “get out the Black vote” effort! The program also featured a special performance by Andra Day, who will be seen in Lee Daniels’ forthcoming The United States vs. Billie Holiday, which will be released later this month, and for which she has received a Gold Globe nomination for her role in the film.

Rounding out this unique program were brief remarks given by Apollo Theater President and CEO Jonelle Procope and Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes. In her message, Procope thanked some 270 virtual attendees for their continued support of the Theater. “On behalf of everyone at the Apollo Theater, we are so grateful for your continued support of the Theater. We asked for emergency support in the spring, and you all stepped up even though I know you too, were struggling. I am in awe of your generosity. The Apollo is working tirelessly to fulfill its commitment as a presenter of African-American artists and use its platforms to amplify messages of social justice, Black joy, and community action.” She also spoke about the Theater’s plans going forward

Apollo Theater President and CEO Jonelle Procope

Award-winning performer Andra Day Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes

during COVID. “Though the Theater is currently dark, the spirit of the Apollo is still alive through the Apollo Digital Stage. From re-broadcasts of our signature Amateur Night program, to film screenings, we have announced a fall season with new and exciting programs. Our education programs continue in the digital arena as well.”

Procope added: “The importance of the Apollo as the largest theater devoted to the African-American experience is critical, and so the work continues. I cannot overstate the negative impact that the pandemic has had on the Apollo’s finances. The Apollo has seen its share of challenges in its 86-year history, and we will continue to rise up. We will never stop our efforts for our artists, audiences, with school children and in our community. We are looking to you to partner with us as we begin the road back to reopening. We will get through this together, and the Apollo will come back stronger than ever with your support.”

The first-ever virtual luncheon was sponsored by Citi and Chaired by Terri Borden, Joan Haffenreffer, and Carolyn Minick Mason. Dining with the Divas 2021 Host Committee included: Charlane Brown Wyands, Esq., DeWitt Stern, a division of Risk Strategies Company, Diane Eighanayan, Ida Liu/CitiPrivate Bank, Microsoft, Karen C. Phillips, Sandye Taylor/RBC Capital Markets, Lu-Shawn Thompson, ViacomCBS, WarnerMedia, Saundra William-Cornwell; along with an illustrious list of Apollo Theater Diva Patrons.

Proceeds from Dining with the Divas will benefit the Apollo Theater’s yearround education, community, and performing arts programs serving New York City students and families. The Apollo Theater is a notfor-profit 501(c)(3) organization.