On Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, Reggie Van Lee, chair of the Howard Theatre joined Chip Ellis, proprietor of the long-lasting Howard Theatre, to provide “A Toast to the Apollo,” a glittering celebration that includes a unprecedented lineup of performers.
The occasion was a precursor to the forty seventh Kennedy Middle Honors, the place the Apollo Theatre turned the primary group to be acknowledged by the establishment. The Howard Theatre occasion was hosted by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad, who lent her grace and allure to the occasion.
“A Toast to the Apollo,” an occasion honoring Harlem’s legendary theatre, is held Dec. 6 at The Howard Theatre in D.C. (AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) (Left) Chip Ellis, proprietor Howard Theater, honors Kamilah Forbes, government producer for the Apollo and Jonelle Procope, previous president and CEO of the Apollo, alongside Reggie Van Lee, chairman of the board for the Howard Theatre.
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday performs reside on the Howard Theatre within the nation’s capital.
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Violinist Leanne Holmes entertains company on the pink carpet of the VIP Reception on the Howard Theatre “A Toast to the Apollo”
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) En Vogue, the R and B group made up of Rhona Bennett (left), Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron, ship their signature harmonies and timeless. (AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) A crowd gathers on the Howard Theatre in D.C. to rejoice the Apollo forward of the forty seventh Annual Kennedy Middle Honors, the place the Harlem theatre turned the primary group to obtain the popularity.
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Laisha Dougherty (left), Dr. Steven Johnson and Aaron Myers
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Trumpet Participant Donvonte McCoy delivers a tribute to Quincy Jones, who died on Nov. 3. (AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Chip Ellis, proprietor Howard Theater (left) takes a second with singer and actress Jennifer Holliday; Reggie Van Lee, chairman of the board for the Howard Theatre; Actress Phylicia Rashad and former First Woman of D.C., Cora Masters Barry on the Howard Theatre.
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) City Jazz Harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet performs reside on the Howard Theatre on Dec. 6.
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Angie M. Gates, president and chief government officer of Occasions DC, delivers remarks.
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Marvin Bowser (left), Mike Yates, Gretchen Wharton and JR Clark
(AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall) Proven right here: Award-winning artist and entertainer (left), DJ D-Good, award-winning social influence strategist and Crown Act Champion, Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah, and actor Omar Dorsey. (AFRO Photograph / Patricia McDougall)
The night time featured powerhouse performances by Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday, whose commanding vocals captivated the viewers. The women of En Vogue, the chart-topping R and B group, delivered their signature harmonies and timeless hits, whereas city jazz harmonicist Frederic Yonnet added a soulful, revolutionary sound to this system.
Attendees included Occasions DC President and CEO, Angie M Gates; OCTFME Director, LaToya Foster, Former First Woman of D.C., Cora Masters Barry, and Mrs. Virginia Ali, proprietor of the Historic Ben’s Chili Bowl, all of whom made the spectacular night of Black excellence an unforgettable night time.