Black Spectrum launches Museum

The Black Spectrum Theater, on 177th Street and Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, will be opening the new Black Spectrum Gallery Museum on Saturday, May 13 at 5:00 p.m., as part of a special Legacy Tribute evening to legendary African American performers and active community members.
The museum and gallery will showcase the Wall of Ancestors, dedicated to Damani Henderson, an original founding member of the Black Spectrum Theater. The wall also features board members, actors, performers, volunteers and those who have played an integral part in the 36-year history of the Black Spectrum Theater.
“The Black Spectrum Theater has become a beacon for culture in this community,” said Carl Clay, founder and Executive Director of Black Spectrum. “We expose over 30,000 people each year to our programs and have launched and trained quite a number of successful African American performers including Desiree Coleman, Debbie Burrell and David Baptiste.”
Special guest Ruby Dee, renowned actress and activist, will take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a special performance of the hit show “Kingfish, Amos n’ Andy,” written by Clay. Ruby Dee has donated a pair of shoes worn by her late husband, Ossie Davis, in the Spike Lee movie “Do the Right Thing.”
The Black Spectrum Theater offers a variety of community services and programs geared towards African American, Caribbean-American, and Latino populations in Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, and Laurelton, and diverse audiences throughout the country. The Black Spectrum Theatre Company produces and presents theatre, films, and videos examining issues of concern to the African-American community, particularly the youth. Black Spectrum also operates a summer theater camp, a youth theater institute, a video and film library, and a mobile theater.
The theater has recently undergone $1 million in renovations made possible by funding through the NYS Dormitory Authority, Assemblyman William Scarborough, and Councilman Leroy Comrie. The lobby has been completely redone and reconstructed, carpeting has been replaced, a storage facility has been built to house the Black Spectrum mobile theater, and a level was added to that lobby that now houses the museum and gallery.
The legacy Tribute is sponsored by Carver Savings Bank and Urban Outfitters. Tickets are priced at $30 which includes food, the dedication and the performance. For tickets and information call 718-723-1800.