Making Space at the Center
The Archie L. Buffkins Legacy Archive
This page is part of an ongoing research project. As new information, interviews, and archival materials are discovered, it will continue to grow.
National Black Theatre & Playwrights Project
In 1978, the Kennedy Center’s Black Commission announced a national initiative supporting Black playwrights and producing theatres across the United States.
Under the leadership of Dr. Archie L. Buffkins, six established Black theatres were selected to share awards totaling $56,000. Each theatre received support to identify a playwright, develop a new work, and bring that work toward production.
The project was not only an investment in individual plays. It was an investment in Black theatres as places where new voices could be discovered, supported, and heard.
The Six Awarded Theaters
The six recipients were chosen from 65 applications after the project’s task force identified and contacted 187 Black theatres across the country.
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Karamu Performing Arts Theatre
Cleveland, Ohio
Known today as Karamu House, the organization continues to produce professional theatre, provide arts education, and present community programs while honoring the Black experience.
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Dashiki Project Theatre
New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded during the Black Arts Movement, Dashiki Project Theatre created a space for Black performers, playwrights, and stories in New Orleans. Its history is preserved through collections and research held by institutions including the Amistad Research Center.
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New Freedom Theater
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New Freedom Theatre continues its work in Philadelphia through theatrical productions, performing arts education, and programming rooted in the African American tradition.
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Amas Repertory Theatre, Inc.
New York, New York
Now known as Amas Musical Theatre, the organization continues to develop new American musicals, champion cultural equity and minority perspectives, and nurture emerging artists.
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Urban Arts Corps
New York, New York
Founded by playwright and director Vinnette Carroll, Urban Arts Corps developed groundbreaking theatrical works and created opportunities for Black and Puerto Rican performers. Its organizational records are now held by the New York Public Library.
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Inner City Cultural Center
Los Angeles, California
The original Inner City Cultural Center operated as an influential multicultural arts institution in Los Angeles. A revitalized organization, now known as the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center, continues to preserve and build upon that legacy.
Reconnecting the People Behind the History
Somewhere along the way, this stopped being just about my father.
Each theatre named in these records carried its own history, community, artists, and creative vision. I am beginning the process of reaching out to the organizations that remain active, as well as former members, artists, and families connected to those that are no longer operating.
As those conversations happen, this page will grow to include more of their stories……….in their own words.
From The Archive
The documents below are the original Kennedy Center records announcing the project and identifying the six participating theatres.
Were You Connected to This Project?
Were you a playwright, performer, staff member, board member, student, or audience member connected to one of these theatres?
Do you have photographs, programs, correspondence, recordings, newspaper articles, or memories related to the National Black Theatre & Playwrights Project?
I would be honored to hear from you.