Maxine Lewis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maxine Lewis
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| Born |
Harlem, New York City, New York
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Entertainment Producer |
Maxine Lewis is a super important person behind the scenes of the famous Showtime at the Apollo in Harlem. She helps find new talent, plans events, and produces shows. For many years, she was the spokeswoman for Percy Sutton, a well-known leader in Harlem. Percy Sutton was a civil rights lawyer and helped start the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation in 1970. This group, made up of important African-American New Yorkers, bought the Apollo Theater. Maxine Lewis started working with Percy Sutton in the early 1980s. Sutton also produced It's Showtime at the Apollo, a TV show that started in 1987.
Maxine has worked at the Apollo Theater for decades. She has been a producer for Showtime at the Apollo and also for Apollo Kids. She also helps organize a big neighborhood reunion each July in Harlem. This event brings together people who live in the area and those who used to live there.
Contents
Early Life and Harlem Roots
Maxine Lewis was born and grew up right in Harlem, New York City.
Maxine's Amazing Career
Since 1986, Maxine Lewis has been a Special Events Producer for a company called Diamonds in the Rough Independent Entertainment.
Saving the Apollo Theater
Percy Sutton was the person who started Inner City Broadcasting Corporation. This company bought the Apollo Theater in 1981. They saved the theater from closing down! After they bought it, the theater was fixed up and made new again. Maxine Lewis worked as Percy Sutton's Executive Assistant for 19 years.
Finding New Stars
In 1992, Maxine helped organize a special show at the Apollo Theater. It was a tribute to a famous tap dancer named Charles Coles, also known as Charles "Honi" Coles. Maxine started working for Inner City Broadcasting Corporation in 1982. By 1984, she became the talent coordinator for the amateur parts of Showtime at the Apollo. Later, for over 14 years, she produced the "Apollo Kids" segments.
She traveled all over the country looking for talented young people to perform. Some of the famous artists she helped showcase include Lyfe Jennings, Jermaine Paul, Ne-Yo, Jazmine Sullivan, Lauren Hill, Canton Jones, and Jessica Care Moore. Maxine also has a special part on 90.3 WHCR FM radio. There, she shares information about helpful resources and activities for adults.
Helping the Community
Maxine Lewis is also a dedicated community volunteer. For many years, she has helped serve food for Thanksgiving and Christmas at the National Action Network in Harlem. She is a member of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, Long Island. There, she uses her skills to help with community service, organizing special events, and public relations.
Awards and Recognition
Maxine Lewis has received several awards for her hard work and community service:
- 2015: She was honored for her community work on Senior Citizen's Day by the New York State Office for the Aging.
- 2015: Senator Díaz from the Bronx, New York City, gave Maxine Lewis a "Senior Citizen of the Year" award.
- 2014: She was honored with the Fannie Lou Hamer award. This was for her work as the National Crisis Manager for the North Jersey Chapter of the National Action Network.
