Actor Alimi Ballard of “Numb3rs” and “Fast Five” Saluted in Bronx for Positive Image

May 3, 2012 - PRLog -- Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center and the Coalition of Theatres of Color (CTC) saluted actor Alimi (Ali-me) Ballard and Gilbert Glenn Brown, actor/playwright and director of Mind-Builders youth theater company Positive Youth Troupe (PYT), as “Outstanding Alumnus of Mind-Builders” for their remarkable theatre, television and film work in creating positive images for African American youth. The presentation was on April 16 at the Pregones Theatre in the Bronx.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Ballard became involved with Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, a Bronx community center dedicated to the empowerment of youth when he was 16-years old. He was swiftly cast in a play called “No Laughing Matter” with childhood friend Gilbert Glenn Brown. Weeks later, both teen actors were touring New York City high schools, elementary schools, libraries and local theaters with the show.  

“Mind-Builders was the safest environment that I knew outside of my home,” Ballard told the audience. “Mind-Builder’s changed my life completely.”

Ballard has made a dramatic mark as an action star. He recently co-starred as Fusco alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson & Vin Diesel in the #1 worldwide movie blockbuster “Fast Five.”  He has a recurring arc as Gayne Levin on television’s #1 drama “NCIS.”  Comics fans know him as Falcon in the Marvel animated series and video game “Super Hero Squad.” Audiences remember Ballard’s portrayal of Special Agent David Sinclair for six seasons on Tony and Ridley Scott’s hit CBS crime drama “Numb3rs.” His early theatre roles included acting at the National Black Theatre.

“I have a lifelong connection to Mind-Builders,” explained Brown. “I tell the young people in PYT that there are a lot of avenues that we can walk down. It can’t be all about you.  It has to be about service. Somebody is helping you.”

Brown’s work in theatre has earned him three NAACP Theatre Award nominations and a Drama Critic Award. He’s appeared as Martin Luther King Jr. in Negro Ensemble Company’s production of “Martin: An American Musical” written by Leslie Lee & Charles Strouse, co-starred opposite Anika Noni Rose in the Broadway bound tour of “The Mountaintop” by Katori Hall and “TOPDOG/ UNDERDOG” directed by
George C. Wolfe at Mark Taper Forum. His extensive television and film credits   include: “Dreamgirls,” “E.R.,”” Shark,” “The O.C.,”” CSI Miami,” and “Cold Case.”

“Alimi Ballard and Gilbert Glenn Brown are role models to the youth in the Bronx, especially young people in Mind-Builders,” said Madaha Kinsey-Lamb, executive director and founder of Mind-Builders ,a member of the Coalition of Theatres of Color.  “They portray characters that are dynamic and show courage and dignity. Both have inspired youth in our program with their theatre, television and film work.”

“The Coalition of Theatres of Color is proud to honor Alimi Ballard and Gilbert Glenn Brown,” said Woodie King, chairman, CTC and the founder and producing director, New Federal Theatre. “Both men grew up in New York’s historic Black theatres, working with Mind-Builders, National Black Theatre and Negro Ensemble Company. They are a reflection of the talented actors of his generation that have come out of New York’s historic Black theatres.”

The program included an official proclamation by Council Member Oliver Koppell and Council Member Larry Seabrook. In addition, there was a special performance of the original musical “H.O.M.E.” by Mind-Builder’s Positive Youth Troupe (PYT) (ages 14 -24). It was developed by PYT members with music director John Samuels, choreographer Jocelyn Rivera and Brown.

Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center’s mission is to inspire the growth of youth, families and the community through quality arts education. Founded in the Bronx in 1978, it provides instruction for ages 3 to adult in music, dance, theatre, and community folk culture research/presentation. More than 400 students attend classes weekly. The home-base building is being renovated to serve close to 1000 young people and families this Fall 2012.

The Coalition of Theatres of Color (CTC) is a non-profit community of renowned multi-cultural theatre arts organizations in New York State. These institutions have joined forces to ensure sustainability and longevity of theatres of color in multicultural communities. CTC is supported through grants from the New York City Council Committee, chaired by James Van Bramer, The New York Community Trust  and The Nathan Cummings Foundation.



PHOTO
(L-R), Woodie King, chair, Coalition of Theatres of Color; Gilbert Glenn Brown ;Madaha Kinsey-Lamb, Mind-Builders executive director; Alimi Ballard
PHOTO CREDIT:  Mel Wright