Conversations in the Arts- The Arts and African American Experience

Maurice  Curry brings over 35 years of experience as a dancer, choreographer, director, and arts executive to his role as Artistic and Executive Director of Eglevsky Ballet. He began his training with Ned Williams and continued at the School of American Ballet. As a dancer, he appeared with New York City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Kaleidoscope Dance Company, Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal, and DancEllington. He choreographed a new production of The Nutcracker and created partnerships and collaborative opportunities with the Long Island Children's Museum, American Chamber Ensemble, and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. Mr. Curry is the former Chairperson of the Dance Division at Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts. He has also served as the Director of Educational Programs at the Joffrey Ballet School. He was recently nominated to membership at the International Dance Council which is sponsored by Unesco.

Ama Karikari-Yawson, Esq. is on a mission to heal the world through storytelling. She is the author of several best-selling books which she regularly dramatically performs in her training sessions on issues as varied as cultural sensitivity, diversity, bullying prevention, and personal finance. Through her company, Milestales Publishing and Education, Ama and a network of other authors, artists, and thought-leaders provide empowering books, performances, assemblies, training sessions, and enrichment programs to schools, universities, and corporations. Ms. Karikari-Yawson can be reached at ama@milestales.com and 347-886-2026.

Harper Bella is an award-winning photographer and recipient of the 2020 Decentralization grant. Based in New York, her work has shown internationally in Italy, Spain, and nationally in Miami, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Harper pursued her first degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology. It was during a black and white film photography course that she knew she found her calling. From her Caribbean background to travels to over 25 countries, including Vietnam, Germany, and Morocco, a global perspective is at the heart of Harper’s work and life purpose. Harper aims to initiate conversation and spark growth through powerful visuals. She also values community building through the curation of exhibitions and fashion wear with her company Harpers Galleria, which amplifies less prominent voices in the arts. To collaborate with Harper Bella, please reach out to her at harper@harperbella.com and/or (929)-274-2099.

Marc Courtade is an experienced arts professional with over 30 years in the field. He is currently Executive Director of Huntington Arts Council (HAC), a position he assumed in 2015. Prior to joining HAC, Marc was Business Manager at LIU Post/Tilles Center for the Performing Arts for 17 years. Marc also held administrative positions at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. and New York City Opera. He was a speaker for the New York Council for the Humanities for 8 years, lecturing on The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era: Reinventing Musical Theater and The Ethnic Musicals: Assimilation and Integration. He received a MS in Management and Urban Policy from the New School for Social Research, with a specialization in Nonprofit Management. He holds a BPS from Empire State College in Music, and a BA in English from SUNY Buffalo.