We have to start by sending a MAJOR congratulations to Broadway Black’s newest sweetheart Shanice Williams, the teen who beat out hundreds of young ladies for the role of a lifetime and made herself a household name with her stunning portrayal as Dorothy in “The Wiz! Live.”  At just 19 years old and in her first major role, Williams has earned a Critics Choice nomination for Actress In A Movie Made For Television or Limited Series.  I can only assume this will be the first of many nominations for the budding star.

“The Wiz! Live” racked up a bevy of nominations for its rating-smashing premiere including Movie Made for TV or Limited Series, a nomination for both veteran David Alan Grier and musical theater newcomer Neyo in the Actor In A Movie Made for Television or Limited Series category, and a surprising (yet much deserved) nomination for Mary J. Blige‘s impressive performance as Evilene.

While Queen Latifah didn’t receive recognition for her portrayal of “The Wiz” in the NBC special, the Queen did garner Golden Globe and SAG nominations for her captivating work in the HBO biopic “Bessie,” based on the true story of jazz legend Bessie Smith.

Another “Wiz” alum, Uzo Aduba also gained SAG and Golden Globe love for her Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series as “Crazy Eyes” in the Netflix phenomenon “Orange is the New Black.”

Black luminaries Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson are going head to head AGAIN as the adorably supportive friends were both awarded Golden Globe and SAG noms for Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.  Davis leads the poll with a Critics Choice nom as well.

And just in case Hollywood doesn’t get it right (which we know they’re good for), the NAACP Image Awards nominations always make sure that works of color are getting their fair due.  In addition to recognizing “The Wiz! Live,” the awards have also doled out nominations to Misty Copeland (On The Town) for Entertainer of the Year and Julliard Alum Corey Hawkins (Romeo & Juliet) for Best Actor in the critically acclaimed hip-hop film “Straight Outta Compton.”

David Alan Grier racked up NAACP nominations for his work in “The Wiz” as well as his NBC comedy “The Carmichael Show,” alongside his costar Loretta Divine (Dreamgirls) who was also recognized for her work in the sitcom.  Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple) received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her charming portrayal of Taystee on “OITNB.”

Beautiful Broadway ladies are taking over the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category as Angela Bassett (The Mountaintop) and Jennifer Hudson (The Color Purple) earned nominations for their roles in “Chi-Raq,” while Phylicia Rashad (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) and Tessa Thompson (Smart People) both got noms for the new box-office hit “Creed.”

Broadway Black would like to send a HUGE congratulations to all of the nominees!  We’ll be glued to our screens on awards day providing you with all the glamorous details.  Now, who do YOU want to win?

The post Award Season: The Nominations Are IN! appeared first on Broadway Black.

Our city has a long and powerful history, brimming with dedicated New Yorkers who have fought to improve their communities in countless ways – from public service to community activism to the arts. It is essential that we commemorate those who have built up our past as we work to build a better future for our city. This legislation ensures that we remain connected to our history and to the important values embodied by these individuals.

Leonard Harper can correctly be described as multifaceted. Over the span of the Harlem Renaissance, he left his mark as  a dancer, choreographer, producer, and studio owner. 

Harper and his wife, Osceloa Banks, put together and performed in his first big revue, Plantation Days, at Layfatte Theatre in Harlem in 1922. As a result, Harper started producing. He is credited with over 2,000 shows on stage and screen. He is associated with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Mae West, Josephine Baker, Lena Horne and the Marx Brothers. Harper also brought his talents to the nightlife scene. He was instrumental in the Cotton Club’s opening, which featured two of his revues, and regularly brought talent to Connie’s Inn, The Kentucky Club, and The Apollo Theatre.

On the international stage, Harper is known as the “father of cabaret.” He created “The Harpettes” and performed with them internationally in cabaret, vaudeville, and medicine style shows. Always managing to enrich the lives of others, Harper went on to own a dance studio in Times Square where Black dancers became teachers and shared their culture and dances with white dancers.

Harper’s biggest Broadway contribution was the 1929 staging of Hot Chocolates, which etched “Black and Blue” and “Ain’t Misbehavin” into the collection of Broadway classics. 

Council Member Inez Dickens remembers Harper fondly, stating:

His work left everlasting impressions and opened a door of opportunities for others to be involved in the motion picture industry because of his historic performances and productions that showcased Black culture.

Harper died at 44 in 1943. He was recently honored with a  2015 NAACP History Makers Award. 

The street naming will occur Saturday, October 10, at 2pm.

The post Leonard Harper Honored With Street In His Name appeared first on Broadway Black.