In July 2025, with love from CRAFT

On July 4th, 2025, Michael Dinwiddie joined the Ancestors. Here is letter from CRAFT Founder, Dr. Monica W. Ndounou:

Days have passed, and I am still processing… reading the beautiful tributes shared by Michael Dinwiddie's countless family members, friends, colleagues, students, and admirers near and far. 

I, too, am grateful to have crossed paths with Michael on his journey. Like so many others, I did not realize it would be the last time I would see him when I accepted his invitation to speak at the brilliant NYU celebration he organized last fall for the annual Black Theatre Day celebrations on September 17. I have not forgotten that day, the advice he shared with me, or plans we discussed and hoped to return to in preparation for future collaborations. 

At this moment, I am reflecting on Michael and his husband, Vincent, who I enjoyed cutting up with at the festival last summer. I am also appreciating Michael's tireless work on behalf of Black theatre and his ever-witty commentary on even the most serious topics. 

My heart goes out to all who loved him.

Rest well, Michael Dinwiddie, you will be missed.

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Back in April, we touched down in Accra for the 2025 International Black Theatre Summit (IBTS) and let’s just say, it was more than a conference.

Under the leadership of Dr. Monica White Ndounou, Founder & CEO of The CRAFT Institute, IBTS 2025 gathered Black creatives, scholars, funders, and cultural leaders from around the globe to Create. Connect. Heal. in the spirit of Pan-Africanism and ancestral power. From morning “Church” sessions (featuring live drumming, monologues, and song) to conversations on legacy, funding, and future-building, the Summit was a vibrant bridge across the Diaspora. Attendees included: Princess Akosua Busia (Broadway: “Eclipsed”, The Color Purple 1985), Ambassador Busia, Dr. Esi Sutherland (Panafest Chairperson and daughter of the late Ghanaian playwright Afua Sutherland), Michele Shay (Tony Award-Nominee: Seven Guitars), Tonya Pinkins (Tony Award Winner: Jelly's Last Jam, Tony Award Nominee: Play On, Carolina or Change), Vanessa E. Williams (NAACP Image Award: Soul Food) and many more visionaries.

And this is only the beginning. Plans for 2027 and 2029 are in motion. Read more about The International Black Theatre Summit 2025 in Ghana here. 

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LA BLACK CREATORS SUMMIT:

Saturday July 26, 2025 5:30 PM – Los Angeles, CA

We're teaming up with Support Black Theatre and the African-American Shakespeare Company to host the first-ever LA Black Creators Summit! This one-night-only event includes an engaging community dialogue with Ruben Santiago-Hudson, performances from Echoes of Us directed by Michele Shay, a panel discussion with thought-leaders in our field, delicious food, fellowship, and more!

Tickets on sale now! Click here for more information. Limited seating available.

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BLACK THEATRE DAY SEASON LAUNCH:

As we reflect on freedom’s meaning in 2025, we also mark the beginning of our season leading to Black Theatre Day on September 17, an annual day of solidarity and service to celebrate and support Black theatres in their ongoing efforts to build sustainable, institutional wealth.

Black Theatre Day is an initiative of The International Black Theatre Summit spearheaded by The CRAFT Institute to commemorate the African Grove Theatre’s first performance in 1821. Black Theatre Day is a national call to action to: 

• Celebrate Black creativity

• Learn about our legacy

• Support the theatres building sustainable Black futures

• Much more!

Hosting a performance, fundraiser, or gathering for Black Theatre Day? Let us know here. Want to learn more about the legacy of Black Theatre Day? Follow Black Theatre Day celebrations at @blacktheatreday. 

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PANAFEST:

Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Speaker and Guest of The International Black Theatre Summit 2025, is calling the CRAFT Community to attend PANAFEST: The Pan African Arts Festival in Ghana! Under the overarching theme of Re-uniting the African Family, PANAFEST 2025, which is held 18th July to 2nd August 2025, addresses the theme: Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan African Artistic Activism. 

See full programming here. For further information, please consult the official festival at info@panafestghana.org.