Photos: Ruby Dee And Malik Yoba Headline TBAAL Benefit

The Black Academy of Arts & Letters (TBAAL) kicked off the holiday season in grand style with a special benefit hosted by jazz artist Art Sherrod Jr. and his wife Georgia Noone-Sherrod at Gallery Serengeti in Capitol Heights, MD.

Curtis King, Founder and President of TBAAL, welcomed the stylish gathering of influential business leaders, community activists and philanthropists including Kevin E. Hooks, Executive Vice President of Weber Shandwick; Angie Gates, General Manager of The Warner Theatre; and Mike and Cheryl Miller.

The benefit's special guests were celebrated actress Ruby Dee and actor Malik Yoba who encouraged the audience to support TBAAL in its upcoming national fundraising campaign.

"The Academy is preparing to celebrate its 35th Anniversary next year," said Dee. "Because Curtis King and TBAAL are committed to educate and support the arts, our culture won't be buried alive. For that, I am grateful."

"My efforts to support the TBAAL builds on the works of many minority celebrities over the years," said Yoba. "TBAAL has a state of the art facility in Dallas that hosts plays, concerts and workshops in the effort to preserve our culture. It will take all of our help for it to remain a place where our community can continue to live and inspire. I, Malik Yoba remain committed to TBAAL."

Gallery Serengeti served as the perfect venue as attendees enjoyed an impressive collection of African-inspired art from around the world. Guests also enjoyed sumptuous food and cocktails. The event also featured an inspirational live performance by Sherrod.

The TBAAL benefit was sponsored in part by W Hotel Washington DC and Kwedz Research.

About The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, a 501C-3 non-profit organization, was founded by Curtis King to create and enhance an awareness and understanding of artistic, cultural, and aesthetic differences utilizing the framework of African-American arts and letters; and promote foster, cultivate, perpetuate, and preserve the arts and letters of African, Caribbean, and African-Americans in the fine, literary, and performing arts. Please visit: www.tbaal.org