Creating a New Safe Space for All Black Men of Both the Broadway and Theatre Community
Words and images courtesy of Anthony Wayne and Black Broadway Men.
BLACK BROADWAY MEN is a new and exciting non-profit organization which utilizes social and educational opportunities to strengthen the bond of healing and unity for ALL Black men in both the Broadway and theatre community.
The Black Broadway Men Founding Committee Anthony Wayne, James T. Lane, Terence Archie, Ahmad Simmons, Sir Brock Warren, Isaiah Josiah
From creator/founder Anthony Wayne (TOOTSIE, Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, PIPPIN) and founding committee members James T. Lane (Kiss Me Kate, Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line), Terence Archie (COMPANY, Kiss Me Kate, ROCKY), Ahmad Simmons (West Side Story, Hadestown, CAROUSEL), Sir Brock Warren (SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, Paradise Square) and newcomer Isaiah Josiah (AMDA), this organization will include men (and those who identify as such) who are actors, singers, dancers, directors, writers, lighting designers, costume designers, set designers, makeup artist, producers, choreographers, any crew members who give their time and attention in front or behind the stage.
“Our motto is “EVERY BLACK MAN IN THEATRE IS A BLACK BROADWAY MAN” because we believe the situations we go through as Black men in the Broadway community are not just limited to our experience.” says Wayne. “It expands outside and beyond New York City. To the young Black boy who’s dancing in his living room with a dream, to the man who man who hasn’t had the chance to grace a Broadway stage as of yet; we are all connected through the possibilities of what we can do and the impact we can make in this world if we just believe in ourselves.. “BROADWAY” is a state of mind so we believe it’s time for us ALL to find UNITY within each other, STRENGTH from the knowledge we receive to combat the world as well as the chance to embrace the LEGACY of the shoulders we stand upon to become the Legacy for those that are to come behind us.”
The initial Virtual event THE BLACK BROADWAY MEN: SOCIAL SERIES LIVE launched August 22nd with the founding members and a guest specialist. Each of these full, live conversations will equip each man with additional tools to handle the many facets of issues that arise as a result of being a Black man in a theatrical society. All Black men in the theatre community are invited to visit www.BLACKBROADWAYMEN.org and click the JOIN link for entry. For all allies who would like to support, please visit the website, sign up on the page and follow us at @BLACKBROADWAYMEN on Facebook and Instagram. All donations can be made on the website which will go directly towards educational events, scholarship opportunities and operational expenses for the organization.
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A man of many sides as an actor, producer and creator, Anthony Wayne has been blessed to do what he’s been born to do. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, Mr. Wayne has been seen on Broadway in “ANYTHING GOES”, “ONCE ON THIS ISLAND”, “PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT”,”PIPPIN” & recently completed the BROADWAY run of “TOOTSIE – The Musical”.. His touring credits include “A CHORUS LINE” as Richie, “THE COLOR PURPLE” and “FAME-THE MUSICAL” as Tyrone Jackson.
Currently, he is working on bringing his show “MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL” to BROADWAY. In MIGHTY REAL, Mr. Wayne stars as the Disco Legend SYLVESTER and has co-written the show with his creative partner, Kendrell Bowman. With Bowman, together they have created their own company called ANTHONYKEN, LLC. which has spawned their own shows which include “AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN”, “A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS” and, recently, “KINGS & QUEENS OF SOUL”.
Mr. Wayne resides in New York City and contributes his time to inspiring youth and those in need to find the greatness within themselves to be great daily. He is the Founder of an Non-Profit Organization called “BLACK BROADWAY MEN” which galvanizes black men of the Broadway & theatre community to create unity within each other, find strength for each other and embrace the legacy from each other; mentoring the way for the young black men to come. He is a firm believer of creating moments and memories with those he truly cares about and makes time with his family a priority. He believes that the stage is his platform to use to allow his light to shine bright. That inspiration drives him daily and he plans to shine that light no matter what.
Anthony Wayne: Instagram/Twitter: @MRAWAYNE / Website: www.AWAYNE.com BLACK BROADWAY MEN: Instagram/Facebook @BLACKBROADWAYMEN Twitter @BlackBwayMen Website: www.BlackBroadwayMen.org