This year, an original and critically-acclaimed Spelman College production – "The New Black Fest’s Hands Up," – won a Suzi Bass Award in the category of Outstanding Social Justice Production.
This production was created by Spelman theatre and performance faculty, Keith Arthur Bolden, Morgan Hawkins, and Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, along with Atlanta University Center (AUC) graduates Brandon Burditt, Jessenia Ingram, C’2019, and Alexis Woodard, C’2020.
This recognition was especially momentous for working actor, Bolden. Not only was the production honored for its key message of social justice, but it also provided a voice to the artists that developed it.
"The award that we received is the one I am most proud of…because that is how the show was birthed, that’s how it's grown, and that’s how…we address inequality and social justice issues," said Bolden. "My time here [at Spelman] has been rewarding [as well]. There is nothing more rewarding than having my students find their voice and find their way in their artistry."