NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL
(Celebs descend onto 'Black TSatre
Holy Grounds
Photo by Ttvim Stinsin
Winston-Salem native Jackie Harry discusses "Black Stars of the Great White Way." This is Harry's first
time attending the National Black Theatre Festival.
Winston-Salem native Jackee
Harry attends 2015 NBTF
opening press conference
BY TEV1N STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
Members of the media and local residents filled the
main lobby of the Marriot Hotel, 425 N. Cherry St. on
Monday, Aug. 3, for the opening press conference for the
National Black Theatre Festival.
The event, which was open to the public, gave resi
dents a chance to meet some of the many celebrities who
are in Winston-Salem for the purple and black spectacular.
This year's celebrity co-chairs, Debbi Morgan and Darnell
Williams, talked about how excited they are to be on
"Black Theatre Holy Ground."
"It's so wonderfiil to come to the festival and see peo
ple that we haven't seen in ages," said Morgan. "It's a real
special honor to be named co-chair this year. I know its
going to be an incredible festival."
Williams and Morgan were co-stars in the hit soap
opera "All My Children " which aired on ABC for over 40
years. In the series, Williams played a former police chief
who was married to Morgan's character, who was a doc
tor.
"There's so much going on this week, I can't wait to
kick everything off. I think this will be the best festival
yet," Williams said.
Following the welcome, various directors and actors
talked about their productions that will be staged this
week at various locations throughout the city. Mabel
Robinson, Artistic Director of the North Carolina Black
Repertory Company, took to the stage to discuss her pro
duction "The Glory of Gospel" that will open on Thursday
night.
"I have two other productions in the festival this year,
but my specialty is 'The Glory of Gospel.' I just love,
love, love it," Robinson laughed.
According to Brian Mclaughlin, public relations direc
tor for the festival, tickets for this year's productions are
selling out faster than ever.
"A number of the plays have already sold out," said
McLaughlin. "Some plays have been sold out for a num
ber of days, so we are very excited about the productions
in this year's festival."
The legendary Bill Cobbs also was on hand during the
press conference. Cobbs is this year's Sidney Poitier
Lifelong Achievement Award winner.
Other fan favorites present during the press conference
were Richard Brooks, Obba Babalunde, Grace Jones and
Winston-Salem native Jackde Harry.
Harry, who is most known for her roles in TV hit
shows "Sister, Sister", and "227," discussed being back
home in North Carolina and attending her first festival.
"This is my first festival, but I am very familiar with
the area. I was born right here in Forsyth County at Katie
B. Hospital," Hany said.
Harry will be staring in "Black Stars of the Great
White Way," which was produced by Chapman Roberts.
For additional information and a schedule of events,
purchase The Chronicle's NBTF booklet inserted into the
July 30 edition of the newspaper (call 336-722-8624 for
more information), go to www.nbtf.org or call the
Festival office at 336-723-2266 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Estate sale starts today at Maya Angelou's home
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Laster's Fine Art & Antiques will host
an estate sale at the personal home of Dr.
Maya Angelou, 2716 Bartram Road,
Winston-Salem. The sale will start today
(Thursday, Aug. 6) and will run through
Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This sale is open to the general public.
The sale will include items from the
late poet's home such as artwork, books,
furniture and other household items.
Every item for sale will have a price
tag.
"There are many treasures to be found
during this sale. We hope those of you able
to attend are able to find items that will be
cherished for years to come," said a
spokeswoman for
Angelou's estate.
For more informa
tion, go to:
*http://www.lasters
fineart.com/please
join-us-for-the-dr
maya-angelou-estate
tag-sale/
?www.ebay.com/cln/lastersfineart/Dr
Maya-Angelou-Art
Collection/206132342018
?http://www.estatesales.net/NC/Winst
on-Salem/27106/952257
Angelou
Have an Opinion?
Let us Know letters@wschronicle.com
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