(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – Curtis King, founder and president of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, earned his fifth Lone Star Emmy Award on Saturday for TBAAL’s long-running “Black Music and the Civil Rights Movement” concert tribute honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The celebrated production – performed annually for 43 years – blended narration, music, dance, spoken word and civil rights film footage to reflect on Martin Luther King’s life and the legacy of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. This year’s performance featured Grammy-nominated singer Eric Benét, TBAAL’s 100-voice concert choir and special guest Amber Bullock.
The tribute has long been known for attracting marquee guest artists and for its powerful choral backbone. Some of Dallas’ most respected conductors – including Dr. Clark Joseph, John Mark Tatum, Pat Kessee, Dr. Michelle Magee-Norfleet, William Mitchell, Rose Miller, Eugene Young, and the late Michael Terrell, JoWanda Jordon, Audrey Jones and Billie Roberts – have shaped and trained the 100-plus voice ensemble over the years.
King conceived the show 42 years ago and continued to write and direct the theatrical production, ensuring it remained a dynamic reflection on the music and artists who helped propel the Civil Rights Movement.
This year’s Emmy win added another milestone to a tribute that has connected generations through history, artistry and the timeless call for justice.