MEDIA CONTACTS Ann Barnett [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 17, 2021

KARAMU COMMEMORATES 100th ANNIVERSARY OF TULSA RACE MASSACRE WITH “STILL WE RISE” VIRTUAL BENEFIT

(, )— Karamu House is observing the 100-year anniversary of one of America’s most overlooked and significant moments in history, the Tulsa Race Massacre—also known as the Black Wall Street Massacre—with “Still We Rise,” a virtual benefit to be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 6 p.m. EDT/3 p.m. PDT. “Still We Rise,” inspired from the Maya Angelou poem, “I Rise,” is a community celebration of America’s oldest Black producing theatre: Karamu House. Its goal is to raise $250,000 to support the continued revitalization, rejuvenation, and renovation of Karamu—including the completion of its theatre wing renovation and streetscape improvements, now scheduled for a grand opening in summer 2022. The virtual benefit is free to attend online, but registration is required. Ticketholders also have the option to upgrade their virtual benefit experience or attend the event in-person. Karamu House is hosting its first live event since the pandemic shutdown with an outdoor theatre experience of the benefit, followed by live performances, food and beverage, and music and dancing. “We’re thrilled to still be able to creatively host a benefit for Karamu this year,” says Suzanne Aral-Boutros, benefit chair and member of the Karamu House Board of Directors. “Last year’s annual benefit was canceled, and this year’s “Still We Rise” gives the community an opportunity to show their support, both big and small, to this incredible institution.” The virtual benefit commemorates the Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred on May 31, 1921 in the thriving and prosperous African American community in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. On that day, the Massacre sent mobs of White residents to loot and burn down the entire area. In the violent aftermath, 35 city blocks lay in charred ruins, more than 800 people were treated for injuries, and as many as 300 people died. An estimated 600 Black businesses were also destroyed. “Still We Rise” will celebrate the history and resilience of , while also addressing the current-day, social justice issues of poverty and financial illiteracy that disproportionately plague the Black community. Tickets for both the virtual and live experiences are available at karamuhouse.org. ###

About Karamu House Recognized as the oldest African American performing arts institute in the nation, Karamu House is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and featured in the Smithsonian’s

African-American Museum. Legendary artists including , Ruby Dee, Robert Guillaume, Ron O’Neal, Bill Cobbs, James Pickens, Jr., Vanessa Bell Calloway and Imani Hakim have been associated with the 106-year-old “place of joyful gathering” (the meaning of “Karamu” in Swahili.)

Today, Karamu is a beating heart for the entire community, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, or age. Core programs include socially relevant and professional quality theatre; arts education programming for all ages; and community programming, such as comedy, live jazz, and spoken word performances, that invites participation and engagement, reflection, and a re-commitment to cultural values.

For more information, visit www.karamuhouse.org.