Last weekend I had the honor and privilege to attend a very special event at the Cleveland Museum of Art. As an opportunity presented by my husband’s workplace, we were fortunate to attend the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Karamu House.
 |
| Looking forward to a night out! |
Karamu House is a performing arts center in Cleveland, Ohio. Originally called The Neighborhood Assn., it was founded in 1915 by Rowena and Russell Jelliffe. The Jelliffes, two recent Oberlin College graduates, desired to establish a location where people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds could come together and find common ground. After a couple years and lots of observation, the Jelliffes changed the name to “Playhouse Settlement” as they saw the performing arts bringing everyone together.
 |
| One of the brilliant Karamu performances. |
The Playhouse Settlement attracted significant numbers of African American performers and talent in the 1920s. Of note, Langston Hughes was a familiar face at Karamu House. Mr. Hughes was one of the 20th century’s most influential writers. In 1941 the Jelliffes changed the name of the Playhouse Settlement to the name it goes by today — Karamu House. Karamu, in Swahili, means “place of joyful gathering.”
 |
| Kyle Primous & the K-Street Band. Brilliant musicians. |
After attending the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Karamu House on Saturday, I can say with certainty Karamu has held up to its promise of being a place of joyful gathering. Significant support was shown by the attendees throughout the evening. Awards were presented to notable contributors — namely: George L. Forbes, Esq., Rowena and Russell Jelliffe, James Pickens, Jr. (whom you may know from Grey’s Anatomy), and last but certainly not least, Dorothy and Reuben Silver. It is clear that what the Jelliffes built will continue nurturing performance arts, community, and commonality for 100 more years to come.
 |
| A scene from Dreamgirls, coming in September 2015. |
 |
| Armond Budish with a few opening words. |
In addition to the fabulous musical entertainment and performances, wonderful award recipient speeches, and delicious food, we were graced with the presence of some other Cleveland notables. Leon Bibb of NewsChannel 5 and Armond Budish (Cuyahoga County Executive) to name a couple.
 |
| Mr. James Pickens, Jr. himself |
After the awards were presented, it was time for dancing. My husband and I also took advantage of the photo station. While on our way to get in line, we bumped into a former colleague of mine. It was such a surprise and so nice to see him again.
Overall, the evening was a ton of fun. I’m grateful we had the opportunity to attend this prestigious event celebrating a wonderful cornerstone of the Cleveland community. It’s encouraging to see so many people gathered together in support of such a wonderful place and cause.
Happy 100th Anniversary, Karamu House. Here’s to 100 more!
xo
For more information on Karamu House, including upcoming shows and tickets, please click here.
