On Thursday, June 9, the inaugural Celebration of Color on Broadway benefit was held at SAKS Fifth Avenue. The benefit is designed to bring attention to the African-American community and highlight their achievements. Kemberly Richardson hosted the event, which benefited Opus 118, a private, non-profit organization that supports music education programs for public school students in low-income areas.
The event honored the achievements of Tony Award-winning director George C. Wolfe, who is currently represented on Broadway for his co-direction of The Normal Heart, and producers Ruth and Stephen Hendel. It also celebrated the life of the late Barbara Ann Tear, founder of the National Black Theater.
Among the notable guests at the celebration were designer David Rockwell, and actors Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Saycon Sengbloh, and Adriane Lenox. Other honorees included Stephen Coleman, David Watkins, and Jayson Jackson.