Bowie State University Names Its Performing Arts Theater After Dionne Warwick

You won’t be equipped to wander on by Bowie Condition University’s theater without looking at Dionne Warwick’s identify.

The historically Black college in Maryland has named the theater inside its Fantastic and Carrying out Arts Centre following the legendary singer.

Bowie Condition is “a traditional Black higher education, and with us getting rid of so several of them, this is a fantastic promotion to give. [Historically Black colleges and universities] are even now extremely essential, not only to our existence but to the environment,” reported Warwick.

It will be the 1st carrying out arts venue named after the 6-time Grammy winner recognized for such hits as the 1967 track “I Say A Tiny Prayer,” the 1969 keep track of “I’ll Under no circumstances Slide In Love Once again,” and the 1964 basic “Walk On By.”

The vocalist has a link with the university. Warwick, a decades-extensive advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, frequented Bowie State’s wellness heart and was “absolutely blown away by the work they do there.” After touring the campus and checking out the great and carrying out arts section, the match was lit.

“I’m genuinely fired up and thrilled,” she reported.

Warwick, 1 of the most charted vocalists ever, has been inducted into the Grammy Corridor of Fame and the R&B Audio Hall of Fame. While she is regarded for her singing means, she was also a pioneer in the fight towards HIV/AIDS in the 1980s — a time when the stigma and concern connected with the sickness have been at its peak.

In 1985, she introduced “That’s What Mates Are For” to profit AIDS research and raised more than $3 million for the cause. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed the singer as U.S. Ambassador of Wellbeing.

Figuring out her track record as a humanitarian, the final decision was simple for Bowie Condition, claimed Tewodross Williams.

“We’re not only trying to produce artists and creatives, but we want to develop what I simply call socially engaged artists,” spelled out Williams, associate professor and chair of the university’s fantastic and undertaking arts department. “We want our pupils to be connected socially, globally, and politically in terms of the entire world and what impacts them. We encourage our pupils to use their artwork for social alter.”

The earlier decade has observed alumni from traditionally Black schools and universities obtain the optimum honors in leisure. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter, a Virginia’s Hampton University graduate, just lately became the to start with Black girl to acquire two Oscars. Tennessee Point out University’s marching band is now the 1st marching band to acquire Greatest Roots Gospel Album at the Grammys. And Bowie State’s own Myles Frost won a Tony for his position as Michael Jackson in “MJ: The Musical.”

Now that the theater is named after this sort of a famous singer, Williams wants to welcome anyone to see the expertise the college can exhibit for them selves.

“We want individuals to come see these astounding performances, movie festivals, and all kinds of factors that are taking place. Arrive out and assistance,” he claimed.