01/31/2026
Harlem Stage honors the life and legacy of American theater pioneer Woodie King Jr., director, producer, and visionary arts leader, and founder of the New Federal Theatre in NYC in 1970. King’s extraordinary leadership helped nurture the careers of countless actors and playwrights, including Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Al Freeman Jr., Ruby Dee, Leslie Lee, Ron Milner, Ed Bullins, Samm-Art Williams, and many others. In 2020, he was recognized as a Legend of Off-Broadway by the Off-Broadway Alliance, honoring his more than 50 years of sustained artistic achievement and unwavering commitment to Black theater.
Rest in peace and power, Mr. King.
You fought the good fight. You finished the race. May your legacy and the Black stories you championed endure.
