THE TONY AWARDS & CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY PRESENT THE 2024 EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE EDUCATION AWARD TO CJAY PHILIP

CJay Philip, founder and creative director of Dance & Bmore theatre programs in Baltimore, Md., has been selected as the 2024 winner of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award. The award, co-founded by the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League and Carnegie Mellon University, will be presented at the 77th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday, June 16.

Dance & Bmore's mission is to create meaningful human connections through movement, music and theatre in communities—with people at every age and stage of life—to enhance their social and emotional well-being. The performing arts program was established by Philip in 2010.

Dance & Bmore partners with organizations serving a diverse range of youth to ensure that young adults, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal access to the transformative opportunities that theatre education provides. Enrollment in all Dance & Bmore programs is free. Youth are often paid honorariums or even salary for their community work through Dance & Bmore. For over a decade, Dance & Bmore's multigenerational ensembles have performed on stages throughout Baltimore, along with senior centers, adult day cares and low-income housing for elders.

"CJay actively works to remove barriers and create an inclusive environment in all Dance & Bmore's theatre programs," said Dance & Bmore's Director of Operations, Lauren Erazo, who submitted Philip's recommendation for the award.

Philip's programs develop both onstage and backstage proficiency for students in grades K-12. Past experience as a Broadway performer, dance captain, and assistant stage manager convinced her of the importance of youth learning multiple aspects of theatre-making.

A panel of theatre experts from the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League and Carnegie Mellon University selected Philip from a nationwide call for entries.

"We are thrilled to honor CJay Philip with the Excellence in Theatre Education Award. Her unwavering dedication to providing her students with a safe space to foster their knowledge of theatre and build their confidence, while actively creating inclusive and accessible roles and programs, has instilled a passion and respect for the performing arts in the generations to come," said Jason Laks, interim president of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing.

The Excellence in Theatre Education Award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has demonstrated exemplary impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession. Philip will receive $10,000 for Dance & Bmore's theatre program and tickets to The Tony Awards and Gala. Philip's students will also receive a visiting Master Class taught by CMU Drama professors.

"Theatre is made in many ways, by many people," Philip said. "That's why we focus on helping young people learn about the many different aspects of working in the theatre. Exposure to the theatre and theatre arts improves everyone's quality of life."

Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian echoed that sentiment.

"CJay's dedication to nurturing future generations of performers, creators and art enthusiasts is extraordinary," says Jahanian. "Carnegie Mellon University is grateful to help elevate her story for the world to enjoy and thrilled to celebrate CJay and her enduring contributions as an arts educator, advocate and performer."

Philip knows well the path of performing and working in the theatre. A native of Albany, N.Y., she knew from an early age that the arts were an integral part of her world. At age 2, she accompanied her mother to her older sister's dance class. Her sister showed little interest, but Philip began dancing with the others who were performing the routine. Philip was accepted into the class on the spot.

When Philip reached junior high school, her mother, Nell Stokes, saw Philip's potential to go further. Stokes could not afford the tuition, but she lobbied for her daughter's admission to the Empire Institute for Performing Arts in Albany. Philip was granted a full scholarship, attending Albany High School during the week and going every Saturday for four years to Empire Institute. After studying vocal performance in college, she decided to pursue a Broadway career.

In the first nine years as a working actor, Philip was unemployed only three weeks. She took notes on every director and choreographer she watched, referring to them as her 'mentors.' She joined Broadway casts and touring troupes for "Hairspray," "Big: The Musical," "Street Corner Symphony," "Legally Blonde," "Dreamgirls" and more.

Philip and her husband, Winston, a music producer and social services organization chief operating officer, relocated to Baltimore in 2009 after years of helping to produce the African American Heritage Festival there. She founded Dance & Bmore the following year.

The 77th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Ariana DeBose, will air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City on Sunday, June 16, 2024 (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).*

The Tony Awards are produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, and White Cherry Entertainment. Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss are showrunners and executive producers for White Cherry Entertainment, and Weiss will serve as director. Jack Sussman is also an executive producer.

Exonerated Central Park 5 member wants Trump to be afforded opportunity not afforded to him

New Yourk City Councilman, Yusef Salaam, one of five Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of a 1989 rape in Central Park, spoke MSNBC's the Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss Donald Trump's role in the Central Park Five case and the irony of the former president's recent felony conviction.

President Biden Proclamation on Black Music Month 2024

During Black Music Month, we celebrate the Black artists and creatives whose work has so often been a tidal wave of change — not only by defining the American songbook and culture but also by capturing our greatest hopes for the future and pushing us to march forward together.

Our Nation has only recognized Black Music Month for 45 years, but its legacy stretches back to our country’s earliest days.  Black music began when enslaved people, who were cruelly prohibited from communicating in their native languages, found ways to express themselves through music.  Set to the sound of African rhythms, they captured the inhumanity, tragedy, and toll that America’s original sin took on their lives while also telling the stories of their hopes and dreams, faith and spirituality, and love and purpose.  Ever since, Black performers have carried on that tradition of using art to break down barriers, create sacred spaces for expression, and give voice to the promise of America for all Americans.  They have created and shaped some of our most beloved genres of music — like folk, blues, jazz, hip-hop, country, rock and roll, gospel, spirituals, and R&B.  Black music has set the beat of the Civil Rights Movement; expressed the inherent dignity and captured the pride and power of Black communities; and held a mirror to the good, the bad, and the truth of our Nation.

Black music is a staple of American art and a powerhouse of our culture — that is why we must continue to open doors for the next generation of Black artists.  Since I came into office, I have had the honor of bestowing some of our Nation’s highest awards to some of our most important Black performers and producers like Gladys Knight, Berry Gordy, Tania León, Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, and more — uplifting their talent and inspiring others to follow their example.  After making Juneteenth a National Holiday, I also hosted the first Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn — where the voices of Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald, Ledisi, and other incredible performers reminded us all of the beauty of Black music and Black culture that is American music and American culture.  Last year, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the first-ever hip-hop house party at the Vice President’s Residence.  At the same time, I have helped secure over $100 million to keep concert halls, theaters, and other venues afloat during the pandemic.  In my Budget, I ask for a total of over $400 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities — that includes funding for arts programs in underserved communities.

Black music embodies the best of American art — inspiring us, challenging us, and bringing us together.  This month, may we show gratitude to all the Black artists, whose work speaks to the soul of who we are, shows us the way forward together, and reminds us to lift every voice.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2024 as Black Music Month.  I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month by honoring Black musicians and raising awareness and appreciation of Black music.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries statement on Trump Guilty Verdict

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement on social media about former president and now convicted felon Donald Trump's guilty verdict

America is a nation built upon the rule of law. The jury has spoken and carefully rendered a decision. Responsible leadership requires the verdict to be respected.

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) May 30, 2024

NAACP Response to Guilty Verdict in Trump Criminal Fraud Case

This evening, a 12-person jury in Manhattan found former president Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal alleged affairs during his 2016 campaign. The conviction comes amidst three ongoing cases against the current Republican presidential candidate.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO shared the following statement:

"Today is a monumental step toward justice for the American people. Whether it's an attempt to steal an election or overthrow our government, one thing has long been apparent - Donald Trump is unfit to represent American democracy. The NAACP strongly believes that anyone who has been found guilty of criminal offenses of this magnitude is unfit to occupy the Oval Office. As Black Americans have been denied basic human rights due to less offensive crimes, any attempt to advance Donald Trump's nomination for Presidency would be a gross advancement of white supremacist policy."