TAKING CENTER STAGE—James E. Taylor, Janis Burley Wilson, Constanza Romero Wilson and Paul Ellis
by Debbie Norrell, Lifestyles Editor
With a red carpet entrance and beautiful décor, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center Gala “Take Center Stage” was a night to remember. On April 26, hundreds joined Janis Burley Wilson, AWAACC President & CEO, Chair Michael Polite, and Take Center Stage Artistic Co-Chairs, Constanza Romero Wilson, Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Phylicia Rashad. Nancy D. Washington served as Gala Legacy Co-Chair, while UPMC and UPMC Health Plan were proud to serve as signature sponsors for the gala. James E. Taylor, Ph.D., Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management Officer, was co-emcee of this historic night.
Burley Wilson said, “the night was a celebration of the past commitment to building the incredible performing arts center that we know as the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.” Guests were greeted as they approached the center by the New Breed Brass Band and then on to the red carpet for an official picture. Music and art poured out of every corner.
After an exciting cocktail hour and a seated gala dinner guests enjoyed a Center Stage tribute performance. The performance opened with a signature film my Emmy Award-winning film director Emmai Alaquia. Then the crowd was “wowed” by the outstanding dance moves of Kyle Abraham and the blues of Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. The Encore Party following the show was “fire” and featured DJ Nate Da Phat Barber, Roger Humphries Sr., Brianna Richardson and Kassia Ensemble.
Spotted: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Sandra Shannon–founder of the August Wilson Society, Allison G. Williams, AWAACC architect and designer, Paul Ellis, nephew of August Wilson and Constanza Romero Wilson, she was married to August Wilson until his untimely death in 2005.
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