Events & Activities - Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company Gala - January 9, 2004

The Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company, a program of the Department of African American Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences located at Syracuse University, honored Senator Hoffmann in appreciation for her continued support of their theatrical arts organization. It has afforded the performing company the opportunity to provide the Syracuse and surrounding community with quality entertainment and vital arts education programs for the past 22 years. "An African American Mosaic of Music is a look at the diversity and richness of the African American contribution to popular music. This contribution of blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll and rap has taken the lead in worldwide popular culture. Tonight's performance is an arrangement of some of these contributions which weave part of that tapestry." --William H. Rowland II, PRPAC Executive Artistic Director When Senator Hoffmann accepted her award she spoke to the attendees and explained how her grant contributions have made it possible for the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company to expose a diverse population of underserved school students to African-American cultural performances. (L-R) Karin Franklin-King, Master of Ceremony; Dr. Horace Smith, Assoc. VP Undergraduate Studies at Syracuse University; Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann, William H. Rowland II, PRPAC Executive Artistic Director; Peggy Ogden, CNY Community Foundation; Senator John A. DeFrancisco and Susan Keeter, Graphic Artist for PRPAC. Other Honorees: Senator DeFrancisco - for the last ten years, has funded the PRPAC participation in the Armory Square Candlelight Series with a tourism grant. Peggy Ogden - CNY Community Foundation gave PRPAC their initial grant to start the Youth Ensemble, as well as supported their Summer Arts Camp this past year. Dr. Horace Smith - has served on the PRPAC Board since its founding 23 years ago and has contributed unselfishly his service and money. His involvement was essential to the early development of the company. Susan Keeter - has volunteered her graphic artist services for more than 15 years and has been a crucial element in the persona of the company. African American Studies Department of the College of Arts & Sciences of Syracuse University - has allowed PRPAC greater stability, as they move toward mutual objectives such as better community/university relations, intergenerational exposure for college students, school-aged children and people in the community. A Dear friend and longtime East Syracuse neighbor of Senator Hoffmann's, Marjory Wilkins, professional photographer; took a number of photographs at the gala and she graciously shared them with the Senator. (L-R) William H. Rowland II, Senator Hoffmann and Karin Franklin-King. Eric Love Jones singing "So You Want To Meet The Wizard". Lagreer Cummings-Brown singing "Neither One Of Us". William Rowland III singing "Jam Tonight". Voncia Austin portraying Bessie Smith singing "Black Mountain Blues". Marcia Hagan (also a Dear friend of Senator Hoffmann) singing "Stormy Weather". Kathye Goode and Eric Love Jones singing "Mr. Postman". Mr. Mashell Black, an alumnus of Syracuse University, created this painting of Paul Robeson. Paul Robeson was an All-American football hero, Phi Beta Kappa scholar, singer, star of stage and screen and an African American of compassion and integrity. The Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company bears his name as a tribute to his artistic excellence and his uncompromising courage. Return to Events Listing