Over the years, King and his not-for-profit institution have produced and presented a wide variety of cultural events enriching the community. This has allowed many people to enjoy various cultures, art and artists, often for free or at a very low cost. Each year, TBAAL produces over 100 different programs in music, theatre, dance, literary, visual and cinematic arts. TBAAL has also twice won a Lone Star EMMY Award for a show that King creates, produces and directs each year. The annual “Black Music and Civil Rights Movement” Concert: A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event dramatizes and reflects on the moments and memories of the life and works of Dr. King. The show airs on the Dallas/Fort Worth CBS television affiliate and is a compelling evening of narration, music and dance with special guest stars, and the TBAAL 200 voice concert choir. The 36th annual show, which took place in January, included a special tribute to the late Queen of Soul and musical civil rights activist, Aretha Franklin. The TBAAL Riverfront Jazz Festival is also held annually and is a major event in Dallas. It features 35 national and international acts plus more than 40 promising young artists. This year, it will take place over the Labor Day weekend and may also include among the artists Erykah Badu, Will Downing, Sheila E, Roy Ayers and Dianne Reeves. Cause Magazine King and his institution celebrate icons and their legacy, but they also take great pride in presenting, producing, and developing artistic talent. Each year, TBAAL services more than 50,000 youth in its Arts-and-Education programs and through its Annual Summer Youth Arts Institute. During the summer Intensive program, students ages 10-18 work for several weeks on every aspect of the big productions themselves. Not just the music, theatre and dance; they also are responsible for the costumes, make-up, and even shooting the videos. TBAAL’s audience consists of more than 600,000 patrons a year and includes a membership base of about 5,000. The institution has grown to occupy a permanent 250,000 sq. ft. venue located at the Dallas Convention Center. It is the only African-American institution based in a convention center in the US. The space includes two theaters, an art gallery, and several other rehearsal spaces and ballrooms. TBAAL also endeavors to create strong ties among many emerging and well-known artists and scholars. In 2013, the institution donated its entire archival collection of letters, papers, brochures, photographs, videos, etc. to the University of North Texas as a part of TBAAL’s long term cultural collaborative partnerships. The collection is now being digitized to protect it for future generations.
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