A Bridgerton Affair! Harlem School of the Arts s 60th Anniversary Gala Honors the Legacy of Founder Dorothy Maynor

On Monday evening, guests dressed to the nines arrived at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City to celebrate the Harlem School of the Arts’s 60th anniversary, which honored the legacy of the school’s founder and acclaimed concert soprano Dorothy Maynor.

Upon arrival, attendees were immersed in the world of Bridgerton as HSA students transformed the legendary event space into a captivating Bridgerton-inspired dinner theater experience. The theme was perfectly timed as Netflix’s highly-anticipated 3rd season of the show hit the streaming service this week. Speaking of Netflix, CEO Ted Sarandos was there to give a heartfelt speech to his wife, Nicole A. Avant, author and former Ambassador to the Bahamas. Avant, along with her parents Jacqueline Clarence Avant posthumously, were among the evening’s honorees. They were recognized for being trailblazers in philanthropy and their accomplishments in business and politics. The other honorees included Deborah Roberts, Al Roker and their son Nick, Jennifer Jones Austin, and The Herb Alpert Foundation, all of whose contributions have enriched the cultural landscape. The Herb Alpert Foundation has been a stalwart supporter of the school for over 10 years.

At 6:00 P.M., guests wandered in proper ball gowns in their 1800s-best with martini glasses and champagne flutes in hand as they mingled over the sounds of live jazz and upbeat music from The Roots. The music was a fitting tribute to the school s legacy of nurturing musical talent and a nod to Harlem s storied history as a hub for jazz. Guests enjoyed performances including poetry recitations, singing, and instrumental pieces, and ongoing entertainment throughout the evening.

The gala was not only a celebration but also a crucial fundraiser. The over two million dollars in proceeds from the event will support the school s wide array of arts programming and tuition support to students. Each contribution highlighted the shared commitment to sustaining the arts and providing opportunities for future generations. "As we reflect on HSA s 60 years of unwavering dedication to the transformative power of the arts, we stand in awe of the remarkable individuals who have embodied the spirit and vision of our beloved founder, Dorothy Maynor," said James C. Horton, President of HSA ahead of the event. "We look forward to honoring those whose tireless efforts have echoed her legacy of uplifting underrepresented and underserved communities through the arts."

“The impact of receiving arts education can be life-changing, and no child should have to be without that experience because they can’t afford it. The funds raised this evening provide access to arts programming for young people regardless of their socio-economic circumstances,” said board member and gala committee member Sandra Buchanan Hurse. Over two million dollars was raised in support of the School! Cheers to that!