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Harlem Stage Announces Its 2025 Annual Gala

Posted February 25, 2025

HARLEM STAGE ANNOUNCES ITS 2025 ANNUAL GALA “WATCH YOUR STEP…THERE’S GLASS ALL OVER THE FLOOR”

Honoring ‘breakers of the glass ceiling’ and celebrating the Inaugural Season of new CEO & Artistic Director Dr. Indira Etwaroo

Harlem Stage will celebrate at the World’s Highest Private Residential Club, 10 Cubed NYC

New York, NY (February 25, 2025) — Harlem Stage announces its 2025 Annual Gala, which will highlight CEO & Artistic Director Dr. Indira Etwaroo’s first season at the helm of the 42-year-old esteemed organization. The gala will take place on the evening of Monday, May 19 with a visual feature being the incomparable, exclusive city views at the world’s highest private residential club, 10 Cubed NYC.

Formerly the Inaugural Director of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple, Dr. Etwaroo’s career has centered the voices and visionary work of women from across the globe. For her inaugural gala, she honors women who have played a significant role in her own journey and who are trailblazers in their respective fields. This commitment is a centerpiece of the gala with honorees Monique Hanson, nationally recognized philanthropic executive; Lisa Jackson, Apple Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives; Laura Walker, Bennington College President; and Donna Walker-Kuhne, internationally recognized community outreach executive.

"The arts and culture sector stands at a consequential moment, grappling with challenges like never before,” says Dr. Etwaroo. “Yet, in the face of adversity, Harlem Stage understands the assignment: igniting the power of artistic freedom. The 2025 Harlem Stage Gala is more than just an event—it is a gathering of souls from all walks of life, united in a shared vision to honor the diversity that is the best, wisest, and most exquisite parts of our humanity. Together, we are crafting a future where every individual can thrive. This year, we are proud to recognize four extraordinary women whose leadership has shaped my own journey and continues to inspire, elevate, and redefine the global narrative."

The evening will also include other renowned artists, change makers, thought leaders, and special guests who will enjoy a singular experience and a golden spotlight installation at Harlem Stage that shines into the night sky. Conceptualized by five-time Grammy-nominated creative designer Hollis King, the installation will allow guests to pinpoint the historic Harlem Stage landmark and illuminate it as a beacon of artistic freedom. Additionally, attendees will be the first to learn about the Harlem Stage 2025-2026 Season with a special partnership announcement.

Harlem Stage Board of Directors President, Courtney Lee-Mitchell, notes that the 2025 Gala is a declaration of the organization’s raison d’être. “The Harlem Stage Board of Directors stands with immense pride for all that we have achieved in our 42-year history, and we stand with an unwavering resolve to rise to the challenges that now test the very core of our institution’s mission,” she says. “Our 2025 Gala is a reaffirmation of the values we hold dear—diverse storytelling, excellence and equity, and community-building. It is a gathering of the institutions and individuals who stand with us in our commitment to ensure that Harlem Stage continues to ignite artistic freedom.”

Notable Executive Chef Nduvo Salaam shares his excitement about the collaboration with Harlem Stage on its gala. He says he chose the culinary arts because, to him, food is a form of art. “Food is an expression of creativity, culture and passion. Partnering with Harlem Stage, a beacon of artistic excellence and freedom, perfectly aligns with my vision of using food to ignite connection, conversation, and creativity,” he says. “I look forward to curating a transformative culinary experience that will gather artists, leaders, and innovators to experience a feast for the senses, sparking inspiration and unity.” Salaam promises to curate a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience inspired by Harlem Stage’s mission.

The gala’s Honorary Gala Chairs are well-known figures in theater, film, and television, and are Harlem Stage Board members: Theater producer and Broadway Women’s Fund Manager Jamila Ponton Bragg, Tony Award-winning performer and producer LaChanze, and Tony Award-winning producer and Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning performer Tamara Tunie. Vocalist Tayler Harris, Tony Award-nominated actor Stephen McKinley Henderson, composer and violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain will be featured performers.

ABOUT THE HARLEM STAGE TEAM

Harlem Stage operates year-round with a world-class staff, led by CEO & Artistic Director, Dr. Indira Etwaroo with a leadership team, including Deirdre May, Chief Communications Officer, and Jelani Bucker; Business Management Director, as well as an 19-member Board of Directors composed of leaders, artists, and changemakers in their respective fields, led by Board President Courtney Lee-Mitchell; Vice President Jamie Cannon, Treasurer Mark Thomas, and Secretary, Michael Young; and the Board of Directors: Ronald K. Alexander, Angela Glover Blackwell, Jenna Bond, Jamila Ponton-Bragg, JoAnn K. Chase, Claire Danes, Hugh Dancy, Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Channing Martin, Larry McRae, Rebecca Roberston, LaChanze, Tamara Tunie, Heather Wagoner, and Blair Washington.

The 2025 Harlem Stage Gala is supported by foundations, major donors, sponsors, and individuals committed to Harlem Stage’s quest for artistic freedom.

Tickets to Harlem Stage Events, Memberships, and Complete Partnership List at HarlemStage.org