Standing: Lamman Rucker, Imohotep Gary Bird, Lynn Whitfield, George Faison, Woodie King Jr, Terrie Williams, John Morning attending the New Federal Theatre Press Conference at Trump Place, New York City. Photo

From: Photo Coverage: New Federal Theatre Honors Poitier, Keys et al. Press Reception

Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre (NFT) will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special Gala at the historic Edison Ballroom on Sunday evening, May 22nd. This special event saluting NFT, for 40 years a seminal force in Black Theater, will be co-hosted by Randall Pinkston (CBS News) and Lynn Whitfield. Chairmen for the event are Laurence Fishburne, John Morning and Susan Taylor. The Honorary Chair is Dr. Maya Angelou. In addition to celebrating NFT's vital contribution to the arts internationally, the Gala will feature special awards for 13 individuals that changed the cultural life of our nation: Sidney Poitier, Ntozake Shange, Ruby Dee, Alicia Keys, Mayor David Dinkins, Imhotep Gary Byrd, George Faison, Amiri Baraka, Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Elizabeth McCann, Carla Pinza, Terrie Williams and Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin (for the National Black Theatre Festival).