Black History Month — 2019: Jonelle Procope, Apollo Theater’s President & CEO

Cultural Icon Apollo Theater Sets New Goals As It Celebrates Its 85th Anniversary

Apollo Theater

“Before becoming the home of Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday or Bruno Mars, the Apollo was a Burlesque Theater. One can only imagine what it’s like being in charge of an entity like the Apollo; the responsibility of not only making sure the history stays alive but also encouraging growth can be intimidating but luckily with CEO/President, Jonelle Procope, at the reigns, the Apollo is flourishing and gearing up for 85 more years. The next time you visit the Apollo Theater, hopefully, you’ll see more than a structure — it’s your home. A home that has housed our culture for 85 years. The definition and embodiment of Black History.” (Essence)

Cultural Icon Apollo Theater Sets New Goals As It Celebrates Its 85th Anniversary

Apollo Theater executive producer Kamilah Forbes, left, and chief executive Jonelle Procope

Jonelle Procope, President & CEO

Black History Month is a time when we all get to dig a little deeper. Learning is fun, and February is exceptionally awesome. There’s always little tidbits or iconic figures that I never heard of. As many of you know I like to focus on a certain topic for Black History Month. It helps me learn, and hopefully you as well. Last year’s topic was civil disobedience. For 2019, the topic that I’m going to focus on is: The Role of Black Women Played to Shape Our History. Thanks for reading and following. — Mark