Republished from Captrust, Tuesday, January 29, 2019
by Sylvana Smith
From Black Panther and convict to writer, poet, producer, college professor, Academy Award nominee, and youth advocate, Jamal Joseph’s life has taken a circuitous path to the present. His is a story of perennial social activism, advancing lessons from his Black Panther days to empower a new generation.
Excuse Me, Young Brother, I Just Did
Robert Rodriguez, 68th Assembly District, Inez E. District 70th Assembly District, Al Taylor 71st Assembly District, issued the following signed statement:
"We have an organization worthy of the esteem of both the community and the Great State of New York."Later that day Assembly Member Inez Dickens stated:
"Special thanks to Voza Rivers and Jamal Joseph on 55 years of excellence and prosperity in the Harlem community through arts & culture for Harlem's youth! I especially want to thank IMPACT children for an amazing performance here in Albany.We wish them all the best!"
Special post-event press release -
[New York, NY- May 7, 2018 ] – On Saturday, May 5th 2018, Take Wing And Soar Productions (TWASInc), an award winning, Harlem-based, professional Theater Arts Corporation held its Fifteenth Anniversary Gala Celebration, the TAKE WING AND SOAR SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS, at Columbia University’s Lerner Hall Roone Arledge Auditorium. The elegant afternoon featured esteemed hosts, talented classical actor/singers and the Volunteer Divas who were joined by approximately 120 business leaders, artists, patrons, volunteers, friends and alumni.
The pre-brunch cocktail hour was abuzz with people from all walks of life showing support of TWASInc’s cause against exclusion and towards understanding, advancement and unity in the arts. The delicious brunch was preceded by a welcome address from TWASInc’s board officer, the Honorable Rev. W. Franc Perry, who read a wonderful letter from our esteemed Mayor of New York, followed by the first award of the afternoon, The Earl Hyman Award for Excellence in Classical Acting, which was presented to classical actor John Douglas Thompson. Mimosas flowed during the brunch networking hour while guests learned about each other and the organization. A Silent auction and a raffle signup followed and then the guests were directed to the main program. A welcome address by TWAS Alum Mary Hodgesand Honorary Co-Chair Tom Martin introduced our esteemed hosts. A recapitulation of TWASInc’s history and purpose kicked off the event, presented by the mistress and master and of ceremonies, Tony award winning actress Trezana Beverley and Classical Actor Michael Early.
