News Anchor, Opera Legend and Former State Senator appointed as Honorary Board Co-Chairs

WASHINGTON - Sept. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Celebrating its 10th Anniversary of "bringing color to the classics," the Washington, D.C. area based Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, crown the eminence of its board of directors with the appointment of three luminaries as honorary co-chairs:  Celebrated Washington news anchor J. C. Hayward, legendary Metropolitan Opera tenor George Shirley and Former Maryland State Senator Gloria Lawlah.  Each were chosen because of their distinct outstanding contributions in the nurturing of classical musicians, especially in the African American community.

J. C. Hayward  celebrates 40 years as an anchor at WUSA9 and was recently inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists' Hall of Fame. Ms. Hayward is considered D. C.'s first female anchor.  In addition to her accomplishments in the world of media, she was trained as a pianist and is an advocate for performing arts through her public service and community outreach.

The internationally renowned tenor George Shirley is considered the first African-American tenor to sing leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera and has certainly paved the way for other singers for follow, including Lawrence Brownlee, Russell Thomas and many others.  Shirley spoke more about his appointment.

"I congratulate CAAPA on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary, and upon itsdetermined thrust to shine a deserved spotlight on African American Classical Musicians of exceptional merit. I accept with gratitude the invitation to serve as Honorary Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors. I look forward to supporting the vital mission of CAAPA, thus ensuring for African American performers the opportunity to bring their distinctive gifts to bear upon the works of the European Masters, and to highlight the wealth of outstanding classical works by composers of African American ancestry." he stated.

Former Maryland State Senator Gloria Gary Lawlah now serves as the Secretary of Aging for the State of Maryland.  She is active in numerous organizations, including The National Council of Negro Women (life member), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, among many others.  Lawlah has especially been very supportive in the programs of CAAPA with her presence and enthusiasm for the organization's work in the arts.

For more information on how you can support The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, visit http://4caapa.org.

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