Black Artists: Changemakers Creating History
Montego Glover as Rose in Gypsy on Broadway (Photo: Marc J. Franklin)
Happy Black History Month!
While we honor the Changemakers of the past, I would also like to present the present class! It’s been my honor to collaborate with these Black Artists. You should know and follow them…
Jelani Aladdin
Most known for his roles in Disney’s Frozen, Hercules, The Walking Dead, and Fellow Travelers, Jelani is also a producer, the founder of Dumont Millennial Productions.
What I admire most is his courage: openly sharing his experiences as a Black gay man in America and on Broadway.
Jelani encourages others to use their words, raise their voices, and look consciously at the power of storytelling.
Hassan Anderson
Hassan Anderson is a distinguished oboist, educator, and visionary arts leader who currently serves as Assistant Professor of Oboe and Coordinator of Teaching Artistry at the University of South Carolina.
At the heart of his work lies a profound belief in the transformative power of music, both on and off the stage—a force that not only uplifts but also connects, empowers, and ignites. In every space he inhabits, Mr. Anderson reminds all who will listen of two enduring truths: that "A life in the arts is still a noble pursuit," and that our collective goal must be to move classical music from the peripheries of people’s lives to the very center—where it can inspire, heal, and restore.
Kathryn Allison
From Broadway to the board room, Kathryn is a true CHANGEMAKER.
Currently on tour with & Juliet, she’s already performed on New York’s biggest stages: Broadway’s Aladdin, Wicked, and Company, as well as solo concerts at Joe’s Pub and 54 Below. Her long-awaited debut solo album, Something Real, is now available on all platforms.
What I love most about Kathryn is how she uses her powerful voice in other areas. She is a Board Member of CLOTH: Community League of the Heights, and a vocal activist for POC, LGBTQIA+, and body positivity.
Tonya Canady
Known for her roles in I Know This Much Is True, The Politician, New Amsterdam, Tonya Canady is an actress and producer.
Behind-the-scenes, Tonya is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker. She is also a caregiver. First, for her paraplegic mother, and now for her paraplegic brother.
What I admire most about Tonya is not only her productivity (go girl!), but also her luminous spirit. She is constantly sharing light, joy, and inspiration through word and deed.
Erin Elizabeth Clemons
Perhaps most known for her critically acclaimed work as Eliza in Hamilton and Eponine in Les Misérables, Erin Elizabeth Clemons is an American Actor and Singer.
She is a passionate community arts advocate, leading her to receive her Master’s in Non- Profit and Public Management. She has worked as a Coordinator of Community Engagement connecting local non-profits and community partners with students looking for volunteer work and as an Art Moves Director curating live arts programming. She is currently a professor at her alma mater, University of Central Oklahoma.
What I admire most about her is her mission to help others feel seen and heard. Inspired by family, she is the founder of the #HeartHelpers movement and community on Instagram.
Shawn Cortel
A principal performer on CBS, NBC, STARZ, truTV, indie films, commercials, and more, Sean Cortel’s first short film, Drop-Off, also received acclaim in the film festival circuit nationally and internationally. He released his debut single, “Aug. 21” in 2025.
What I admire about Shawn is his resilience and creativity. He also shows up for me as a friend.
Montego Glover
An award-winning actress in theatre, film, and television, Montego Glover is a Tony Award Nominee for the role of Felicia Farrell in Memphis. She has also received honors for her work in new plays.
Glover's talent extends to television, film, concerts, commercials, gaming, animation, and scripted audio projects. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Glover is actively involved in arts advocacy, earth preservation & conservation, as well as artist committees at leading theatre institutions around the country.
It’s an honor to call Montego a friend and client. I’ve admired her talent and leadership since first meeting her as an EMC at the NYC AEA orientation!
Nathan Lee Graham
Ubiquitous and singular, Nathan Lee Graham is an American cabaret artist, stage, television and film actor, singer, writer, and director. He may be most known for his performances as Arthur in Mid Century Modern, Todd in Zoolander and Zoolander 2, Frederick in Sweet Home Alabama, and Geoff in Hitch.
Beyond the consistency and discipline required to sustain a life and career in the arts, what I admire about Nathan is his commitment to authenticity. He inspires me as an out and proud leader!
Lunie Jules
A Haitian-American Actor, Coach, and Entrepreneur, Lunie Jules is currently launching Jules of the Nile, an eco-conscious fashion line that amplifies voices, inspires curiosity, and changes the way people communicate.
As an award winning actress and writer, she has been seen in Barrow Group’s Apprentice Company, Teatro SEA, Theatre 80, AlphaNYC Theatre Co, and the New Perspective Theater.
Lunie is a joy to work with. We collaborated through all of my programs in 2020-2021 and I miss seeing her weekly.
Karen Parks
Karen Parks is a Fulbright Scholar, Olivier Award nominee and Billboard chart-topper. She is also a master teacher and vocal consultant at YoungArts and President, CEO and Director of Stagebound.
What I love most about Karen is her commitment to her students. She is raising the next generation of artists. She was also a dear friend to me through highs and lows while we were both in NYC.
Khori Petinaud
Performer, educator, wife and mother, Khori Petinaud is the Co-Founder of NOIR Dance Experience, an elite dance program that guides, educates, uplifts, and inspires dancers as they embark on their journey towards greatness in the dance industry.
With innumerous Broadway, film, and TV credits, she is currently a Verdon Fosse Legacy Protege underneath the direction of Nicole Fosse.
What I admire about Khori is her ability to be Super Woman, and Super Mom — including the vulnerability to share moments that are not easy. I’m grateful to call her a friend and client and look forward to watching her star continue to rise!
Liz Player
Liz Player is the Founder, Executive and Artistic Director of The Harlem Chamber Players. An accomplished Clarinetist, she has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, CAMI Hall, Merkin Concert Hall and Brooklyn’s Forecast Music.
What I admire about Liz is her ability to lead, manage, and grow her organization. Year after year, The Harlem Chamber Players continues to produce important work. Check out their debut album!
Antuan Raimone
Affectionately known as Magic, Antuan Raimone is an NYC-based speaker, performer and advocate. He served as the Universal Swing for the Pulitzer Prize and 11x Tony award-winning musical, Hamilton for many years — and just got called back in!
Beyond his work in the arts, he is an advocate and speaker. As a Survivor of childhood sexual abuse, he is an Advisory Council Member, Advocate and Speaker with the Offices of Victim Services of NYC and volunteers with Live Out Loud of NYC as an openly gay role model to LGBTQ+ Youth.
What I love most about Magic is his vulnerability: sharing his story and inspiring others to also become a Soldier of Love. I admire him for his achievements in life and business. Proud of our work together and hope for more down the yellow brick road!
Drew Shade
Award-winning journalist and industry trailblazer, Drew Shade is an American Producer and Actor. He is the Founder of Broadway Black, The Antonyo Awards, and is the creator and co-host of the Off-Book Podcast.
Drew and I went to college together. I’m constantly in awe of his work — both on stage and online. Excited to see what he creates next!
Angela Renée Simpson
With a music career spanning over 30 years, Angela Renée Simpson is an internationally acclaimed dramatic Soprano who has performed all over the world—from Carnegie Hall to La Scala.
She is also nationally recognized as a top-rated voice teacher, voice over artist, and the host of Juicy Interludes with Angela, presented by Verismo Magazine.
What I love about Angela is her tenacity and discipline. Whether on stage at The Kennedy Center (where we performed Show Boat together) or on a Zoom call, ARS always shows up and delivers!
It was a joy to reunite this year and collaborate on a new website for CAAPA, where she serves as Vice-Chair and Program Director of the George Shirley Masterclass Series.
Messeret Stroman Wheeler
The singular, Messeret, is an award-winning actor and producer. Winner of an Audelco Award (and three-time nominee), Ms. Stroman Wheeler was featured by Broadway.com for her performance as LaTonya Dinkins in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Blue. Most recently, she was awarded Best Actress at the Orlando Urban Film Festival for her portrayal of Mary Church Terrell in Keepers of the Flame.
Messeret is an Ethiopian name that means Foundation or Cornerstone. Messeret lives up to her name as a Board Member, HBCU alumnus, AKA member, and Associate Producer of The American Slavery Project.
She is an effervescent Changemaker and a generous artist, human, and friend. It’s always a joy to reconnect for website updates!
Tegan Summer
West End and Broadway producer, CEO of Tegan Summer Theatricals, and a member of the Broadway League and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), Tegan Summer is an NAACP and Ovation Award recipient and the recipient of the Political and Public Life Arts & Culture Award.
Summer is Co-Founder and Partner of the newest theatre in the West End, The Arts at Marble Arch, and serves as Programmer of the Emerald Theatre on Victoria Embankment.
In other words, Tegan is a boss! I admire his productivity and achievements worldwide — not to mention he is always impeccably dressed. Excited to see 2026 projects!
Chary Williams
An Opera Singer & Fashion Consultant who loves all things beauty, music, fashion, and food, Chary Williams is the writer behind the blog, Emerald Girl Chronicles, voice behind the podcast, Poised & Polished, and Founder of The Style Mine.
I love how Chary balances family and art. She is a prolific creator and an artist (and fashionista!) who is not afraid to make bold choices. Looking forward to what she makes next!
Jason Williams
A movement architect, dancer, director, and visionary whose work pulses with spirit, sensuality, and soul, Jason Williams’ work is rooted in culture and shaped by experiences. His artistry is spiritual, intentional, and joy-forward—crafted to move both body and soul.
Jason is the Co-Founder of NOIR Dance Experience. It was an honor to collaborate with him and I love his focus on inspiring the next generation, while slaying in life and business!
Jamaal Wilson
Most known for his Broadway performances in The Book of Mormon, Jamaal Wilson is an actor and singer.
What I love most about Jamaal, beyond his incredible voice, is that he quietly does the work; moving from show to show.
Black Arts Organizations
Support these Black-owned businesses, brands, and arts organizations! While I’ve collaborated with a few, they should be on your radar and included in your entertainment or philanthropy budgets!
