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Chief Rivers, conferred as a chief by a Nigerian dignitary in 2004, left her mark on the humanities neighborhood, bringing legendary black artists like Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee to the Joseph Caleb Middle. She was additionally an arts administrator for the Miami-Dade County Parks Division, the place she left an indelible mark as properly.
Conscious of the Chief’s significance to the Liberty Metropolis arts neighborhood, the occasion honoring her was conceptualized by technical director Kenyatta DeShazior when he arrived six years in the past on the Sandrell Rivers Theater.
“As a baby, I carried out on the Joseph Caleb Middle and the African Heritage Cultural Arts Middle, and upon graduating from Howard College, I returned to Miami and managed the Joseph Caleb Middle,” De Shazior says. “I introduced my abilities again dwelling.”
Sandrell Rivers Day will showcase performances by varied native artists from all sides of the humanities neighborhood. It would additionally current the Humanitarian Award to Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall.
Larry Fields, govt inventive director of Fantasy Theatre Manufacturing unit, the theater’s resident managing firm, says, “This yr, the committee was nearly unanimous in regards to the honoree, one thing that actually I’ve by no means skilled since we started this occasion.” However that he additionally stated was not deliberate and one thing all of them questioned why it did not occur sooner.
Bendross-Mindingall is a lifelong educator as a principal, administrator, and present District 2 Miami-Dade County Faculty Board member who based the Constructive African American Position Fashions mentorship program. She was a Liberty Metropolis resident and a daily at Sandrell Rivers Theater performances.
“I grew up within the Liberty Sq. Housing Challenge not removed from the theater, so for it to bear her identify is completely deserving, and people of us that grew up in that space had been very joyful when that occurred,” Bendross-Mindingall says. “I knew Sandrell very properly, so for me to obtain this recognition. I’m certainly happy and honored.”
Ja’Nia Harden and the Harden Challenge carry out their mix of soulful jazz for the viewers at Sandrell Rivers Day.
Picture by Gregory Reed
Bendross-Mindingall and Chief Rivers’ households had been very intently linked, and the 2 had a tight-knit friendship. “I keep in mind us going to the Caleb Middle, the place Sandrell additionally did an incredible job,” Bendross-Mindingall provides.
The occasion is a full-circle second, Fields says. “Chief Rivers represents one thing so elementary to the mission of our firm Fantasy Theater Manufacturing unit. We’re additionally all about increasing entry to the humanities and tradition to everybody and work to construct upon that every yr.”
Bringing the neighborhood collectively is one thing the staff is pleased with, and on August 12, it continues that custom. DeShazior, this system’s curator, provides, “I used to be impressed to create a program that actually showcases the expertise that is been produced proper right here in Liberty Metropolis.”
Shawney Whitaker, daughter of Sandrell Rivers, will sing “Proud Mary” and “Cannot Stand the Rain” in honor of her mom. Namphuyo Aisha McCray, daughter of singer-songwriter Betty Wright, will sing dedications to her mom and Chastity Hart, a singer and actress with M Ensemble Firm.
“These are simply a number of the scheduled performers, and the Sunshine Jazz Group will probably be offering musical leisure within the foyer earlier than this system,” DeShazior says.
Fields and DeShazior wish to proceed the custom of displaying the Miami neighborhood the expertise and creativity proper on NW Seventh Avenue — proper of their yard.
– Josie Gulliksen, ArtburstMiami.com
Sandrell Rivers Day. 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, August 12, at Sandrell Rivers Theater, 6103 NW Seventh Ave., Miami; 305-284-8872; sandrellriverstheater.com. Tickets price $10 to $15.
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