Abena Joan Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abena Joan Brown
|
|
|---|---|
1995 Black Theatre Alliance Award Ceremony
|
|
| Born |
Abena Joan Phillips
May 8, 1928 |
| Died | July 12, 2015 (aged 87) Chicago, Illinois
|
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Abena Brown, Abena Joan P. Brown |
| Occupation | Arts patron |
| Years active | 1960-2011 |
| Known for | Founding the Creative Arts Foundation of Chicago |
Abena Joan Brown (1928-2015) was an amazing African-American businesswoman. She was also a theater producer. She started the Creative Arts Foundation in Chicago. This foundation helped black artists find work and show their talents. Many people called her the "mother of Chicago's black arts community." She won many awards for her work in theater and helping people. Abena Joan Brown is in the Chicago Women's Hall of Fame. Her story is also part of a special collection called The HistoryMakers.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Abena Joan Phillips was born in Chicago on May 8, 1928. She was the only child of Lueola Reed. Abena started dancing when she was just three years old. She often performed in church as a child.
Later, she went to the University of Illinois to study dance. She earned her first degree from Roosevelt University. Abena then got a master's degree in social work from the University of Chicago. She worked hard to make sure black students could attend the university.
A Career Helping Others
Abena Brown began her career as a social worker. She became a director at the Harriett M. Harris YWCA in Chicago. She helped create important groups like the National Association of Black Social Workers. This happened during the Civil Rights Movement.
Abena wanted to create places that celebrated black culture. She wanted to help and support the black community. In 1969, Abena and Okoro Harold Johnson had a great idea. They wanted to create an organization for black actors. They met while studying at Roosevelt University.
Starting ETA
Together with Al Johnson and Archie Weston Sr., they started the Ebony Talent Agency (ETA). ETA helped discover new performers. It also helped them find jobs. ETA was approved by major groups like the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild.
Later, ETA grew into the Creative Arts Foundation. This foundation offered training and chances to perform in plays. In 1982, Abena left her job at the YWCA. She wanted to focus all her energy on ETA.
A Home for the Arts
For several years, the group didn't have a permanent home. Then, in 1978, they found an old factory building. They started fixing it up. Over the next ten years, they raised money for the project. They even got a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
They put on many shows. They also added offices, classrooms, a gallery, and a library. They built a modern theater with 200 seats in South Chicago. Abena Brown was the CEO of the organization. She always worked to make it bigger and better.
In 1995 and 1998, she led efforts to buy more land. This helped them offer more classes. It also gave black artists more chances to show their work. Abena also worked to create a children's theater. She started summer camps and training programs. She wanted to inspire kids to get involved in the arts.
Abena Brown also spoke at many events. She encouraged people to support the arts in Chicago. She retired in 2011 after 40 years at ETA. Abena Brown passed away on July 12, 2015, in Chicago.
Legacy and Honors
The Chicago Sun-Times newspaper called Abena Brown the "mother of Chicago's black arts community." She was honored in many ways for her important work.
- In 1991, she was added to the Chicago Women's Hall of Fame.
- In 1995, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award. This was from the Black Theater Alliance of Chicago.
- She also won the Governor's Award for the Arts.
- She received the Paul Robeson Award from the African American Arts Alliance.
- Many local groups also gave her awards.
Regionally, she received the Hazel Joan Bryant Award. This was from the Midwest African-American Theatre Alliance. In 2001, she was recognized nationally. She was interviewed for The HistoryMakers. This is a special project that collects black history stories. In 2011, a part of South Chicago Avenue was renamed in her honor. This street is between 75th and 76th Streets.
