The Karamu House Theater in Cleveland, Ohio is the oldest Black theater company in America, founded in 1915.
This is the 100th year celebration of the The Karamu House.
The word Karamu comes from a Swahili word meaning "a place of feasting and enjoyment." Today, Karamu continues to offer experiences in the visual and performing arts for all ages. The mission of it's founders, Russell & Rowena Jellife was eloquently stated by John Selby in his 1966 book, Beyond Civil Rights. Selby wrote, "...the concept of the Jellife's purpose was simply the belief that the bridge to racial understanding lay most immediately in the active fellowship in the arts".
Famous playwrights associated with the Karamu Theater include Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Lorraine Hansberry. Among Karamu Alumni are, James Pickens and Ron O'neal. As a teen I was priviedged to see Dizzy Gillespie and Ruby Dee, among others at Karamu.
During my childhood my mother was an actress, and a member of the Karamu Dancers for 25 years.
Karamu House is an institution that needs your support. Please help keep the legacy alive for another century and beyond.
During my childhood my mother was an actress, and a member of the Karamu Dancers for 25 years.
Karamu House is an institution that needs your support. Please help keep the legacy alive for another century and beyond.
For more info go to: karamuhouse.org
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