Boston, MA (PRWEB) October 04, 2016
On Saturday, October 8 OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center will host its annual benefit performance: Twist and Shout! An Evening of Dance, Spoken Word.
This year’s event will honor actor, musician and activist Malik Yoba. Well known for his breakout role as NYPD detective J.C. Williams in the critically acclaimed FOX police drama, New York Undercover (which earned him three consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series) Yoba is currently a featured actor in the new ABC Drama, Designator Survivor. He has appeared in over 25 television shows including Girlfriends (UPN); Arrested Development (FOX); Thief (FX); Raines (NBC); Defying Gravity (ABC); Alphas (Syfy) and Lee Daniel’s Empire (FOX). He has also appeared in over 20 films including Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married Too?; Cool Runnings and Criminal. A social justice activist with a long history of using the arts to raise consciousness and promote social justice, Yoba is the co-founder of Iconic32, a lifestyle company that aims to drive social good and re-write the future by redefining pop culture. He is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.. Yoba will receive OrigiNation’s Sojourner Truth Award for Outstanding Service to Youth and the Community.
Twist & Shout! will feature young people from OrigiNation’s professional dance companies performing original African and Contemporary works choreographed by founding director, Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga and the company’s resident choreographer, Muadi B. Dibinga set to recorded music by various artists including Rufus featuring Chaka Khan and Prince. Shaumba Dibinga will also perform along with members of NIA Dance Troupe (OrigiNation’s senior dance company) in a new work by NIA Alumni and former Ailey II dancer, Levi Marsman. Spoken Word Artist and scholar, Dr. Omekongo wa Dibinga, will also perform.
Alfreda Harris, who was the longest serving member on the Boston School Committee during her tenure, will also be honored during the annual event. Harris is a life-long resident of Roxbury, MA; founder and former Administrative Coordinator of the Shelburne Recreation Center, former women's basketball coach at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Roxbury Community College, and Emerson College.
“This is definitely going to be a night to remember!” says Founding Artistic & Executive Director, Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga. “Malik Yoba’s work as an artist and activist has been a source of inspiration for our youth and community of over two decades. Ms. Harris’ record of leadership in the Boston Community is extraordinary. She has transformed countless lives through her tireless efforts on behalf of young people and her steadfast commitment to education. We are looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of both of our honorees on October 8th!"
EVENT DETAILS
Location
Roxbury Community College Mainstage Theater
1234 Columbus Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02119
VIP Reception with Honorees: 6:30 p.m.
Performance: 8:00 p.m.
Awards Presentation: 8:30 p.m.
Coverage is welcome.
About OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center
Founded in 1994, OrigiNation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts program that utilizes dance as a vehicle to develop leadership, confidence and self-sufficiency among boys and girls ages 3-18 from underserved communities with limited access to quality dance and theater programs. OrigiNation serves over 300 boys and girls annually through its on-site programs. It serves an additional 5,000 youth through its domestic and international outreach, education and touring programs. To date OrigiNation’s youth have performed, taught, and conducted service projects in the South African cities of Johannesburg, Capetown, Pretoria, Soweto (2007); Dakar, Senegal (2009); London, England (2010 and 2015); New Orleans, LA (2011); Accra, Ghana (2012) and Trinidad (2016).
