Whether it’s hip, cool, groovy, def or lit, throughout the years, chances are it was originated or was stamped official in Harlem USA; it’s like that and that’s the way it is. That’s the word I heard from griots and elders, and personally eyewitnessed from my infancy. I wonder, however, if that was the case say 91 years ago and beyond before that building at 253 West 125th Street became the cultural institution and international phenomenon that we know today as a purveyor of truth: If you were what you thought you were, you’d either find out your proximity to greatness or a least to success—or whether a change in career paths was in order.
On Tuesday June 11, philanthropists, leaders in business, and entertainers convened to celebrate The Apollo’s 90th anniversary at their largest annual fundraising Spring Benefit 2024, which raised over $3 million for the historic organization. The Apollo recently completed its first-ever expansion with the Apollo Stages at The Victoria and the fundraiser should go a long way to assist in the financing of their ambitious plans.
Michelle Ebanks, president and CEO of the Apollo, reflected on the historic and transformative year for the organization: “On this momentous anniversary, we honor the visionary trailblazers who paved the way for The Apollo’s storied history. From opening our doors in 1934, and navigating the ever-changing cultural tides, to the transformative leadership of Percy Sutton and the incomparable Jonelle Procope, who ushered in the debut of the Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater and the upcoming renovation of our main stage, we’re not just preserving history, we’re creating new spaces for artistic expression and community connection.”
Hosted by comedian and actress, Kym Whitley, the organization went hard in the paint with the honorees for this landmark year. Firstly, multi-platinum, superstar Usher was blessed with the Icon Award. The plaudits continue to fall into place for Usher after beginning the year by performing the Halftime show at the 2024 Super Bowl where he gave a subtle nod to fellow Apollo legends Marvin, Michael and Stevie as he now joins them in the pantheon of music immortality. Before taking the stage to accept his trophy from Michelle Ebanks and Kamilah Forbes, the Apollo’s executive producer, Usher was shown reverence with a dance tribute choreographed by renowned creative director and choreographer Luam Klefegzy. Expressing his gratitude, Usher said, “Dance is so important and to the dance team, you guys were amazing. Normally I’m just working, working, working and I’m so happy that I understand now that it’s about celebrating these moments. Tonight, to be able to look up there and see those young people celebrate me and understand just how hard that is to do and the fact that [they]did it with such love and passion, I appreciate them, and I appreciate you [the audience].” Words indeed have power and one of those who took those words to heart was Rob Bynes, a performer in the tribute. After exiting the stage, he reflected on the magnitude of what had transpired.
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“For me, Usher is a part of a very small group of performers who have made their mark with their voice as well as their moves. He’s known for being smooth, classy, and crisp. As a professional dancer, I watch him and know that what he’s doing requires years and years of training and a natural gift. I couldn’t imagine needing to sing at the same time, so I have tremendous respect and admiration for him.” Bynes continued, “When we first found out that he would be in attendance, it felt like a mix of good and bad anxiety. On one hand, we have the pressure of not wanting to mess up or look bad in front of the man we’re honoring. But there’s [also]the amazing opportunity to make him smile and do his work justice. We were performing his original choreography while taking turns being him as the lead, so getting his praise for our performance was all we needed. We felt great leaving the stage seeing him standing up, smiling, and clapping. Mentioning us in his acceptance speech was just the icing on the cake.”
The second honored guest—one of the few that could arguably say that he’s a little more accomplished than Usher—was the creative genius, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, who was bestowed with the inaugural Legacy Award, as well as inducted in the Apollo Walk Of Fame the previous day. While giving the trademark stoic, cool persona, Babyface was hard pressed to hold back his emotions. “I’ve received a lot of awards over the years, and this is one of the most important. Yesterday was an amazing day at the Walk of Fame. I think what made me most proud was when two of my sons, Dylan and Brandon, both came up to me and said, ‘Dad I am so proud to be your son.’ To know I did something not just for the world but to make my kids proud, that’s what we’re here for.”
While in life those moments are what you’re here for, at the Apollo THAT night, music was what we were there for, and Adam Blackstone struck up the band and assembled a lineup of vocalists to interpret the songwriting and production prowess of Babyface. The seven song medley consisted of artist on the cusp Gabby Simone, Leon Thomas, Saint Harrison and Avery Wilson who gave splendid renditions of “You Mean the World to Me,” “Change the World,” “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” and “Can We Talk” before yielding to the original hitmakers Karyn White for “Superwoman,” Johnny Gill with “My, My, My” and the show-stopping performance of the man himself with his signature song “Whip Appeal.”
More magic, more memories!!!! What we doing next year? Can’t tell, but we can tell you that in the coming weeks, OG Smokey Robinson is back on that Apollo Stage. We here for it.
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