Taking up temporary residence at the Plaza Hotel, hundreds of HSA supporters and students came out for an evening of celebration, remembrance, and arts.
Opening the New York gala season along with the Met Gala just uptown, The Harlem School of the Arts recently held their first gala since the pandemic, welcoming longtime supporters and new faces, including a new President, James C. Horton.
Joyful, bright and spirited, the gala honored some remarkable figures in the world of arts and their contributions to the legendary school, including actress and singer Phylicia Rashad, former President of Spelman College and former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, and Timolin Cole-Augustus & Casey Cole-Ray, who accepted The Trailblazers Award honoring the Cole Family Legacy.
The students of the HSA also played a significant role in the event. They opened the program, showcased their talents and skills, and delivered a surprise performance that moved Phylicia Rashad to tears. Soloist Clara Ojeh’s performance of “Naughty” from Matilda The Musical was charming and enthusiastic, and a short documentary about the visual arts offerings at HSA which was created and directed by Media & Design student Alexis Carson.
As for awards, Charles J. Hamilton Jr. was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and his wife surprised him by presenting the award. Hamilton Jr. also announced his transition to Chairman Emeritus, with Kenneth W. Taber and Lisa Davis serving as co-chairs. The night was a great success, and notable attendees included Michael Ealy, Ray Chew, and Pamela Carlton. HSA student and the youngest Black male to win a Grammy, Russell Walter III, was in attendance and received a standing ovation from guests The event proved to be a true celebration of the arts and the bright future of the Harlem School of the Arts.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: (L-R) Harper Quill, Aimony Erisnor and Jayden Hairston attend Harlem School of the Arts Gala 2023 at The Plaza Hotel on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Harlem School of the Arts)
During the program, Timolin and Casey announced that the Natalie Cole Foundation would match donations raised during the program up to $10,000, which was absolutely achieved with the help of Jaydon Hairston, Harper Quill and Aimony Erisnor, who taught the ‘gala crowd’ how to use QR codes.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: HSA Dance Team performs at Harlem School of the Arts Gala 2023 at The Plaza Hotel on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Harlem School of the Arts)
The evening culminated in a touching tribute to Phylicia Rashad’s legacy and cultural impact, as HSA Dance students took the stage to perform a moving composition set to the audio of Rashad and Hillman College from “The Cosby Show.” The performance, set to “All Good Things Will Be Added Unto You,” brought Rashad to tears.
Explore and learn more about the The Harlem School of the Arts here.