An original member of New York City’s Negro Ensemble Company and founding member of the Black Theater Alliance, The Black Theater Network, Buddy believed theater is a medium for preserving cultural history and exploring universal truth. Sharing stories is very much part of the African American Experience.
Buddy provided me with the first wide platform to create and perform my artistic talents. He meant so much to many people, including me. And we had a special bond. Forged in art and experiences. Both former students of Howard University. Him in Theater Arts. Me in Music. From the first time we met sharing a stage at a Festival, to him almost simultaneously, offering me an opportunity to become music director at Black Arts West Theater in Seattle, for their summer production of Dereck Walcott’s Ti-Jean and his Brothers during summer break after my freshman year. And the following summer ,we teamed up again to take the play to Denver, where we collaborated with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, during Bon Fils Theater Festival. We had remained ace’s ever since. Buddy, you made a huge difference in my life and I am eternally grateful.
Richard L Gant, Festival producer