Appreciation for the Outstanding Tour of the Apollo Theater and Victoria Theater Building

I recently had the incredible opportunity to tour the iconic Apollo Theater and the Victoria Theater Building with my Manhattan Community Board 10 colleagues. As a Harlem resident and a member of the Community Board, I found this experience both enlightening and inspiring.

The tour, hosted by Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of the Apollo Theater, and Kamilah Forbes, the Executive Producer, was a fantastic journey through the rich history of the Apollo. We were given a detailed look at the current renovation stages, which aim to preserve and enhance this legendary cultural landmark.

Our visit to the Victoria Theater Building, seeing the event spaces, hardworking studio interns, and home to the Apollo Theater's corporate offices made the tour even more special. Also, there is a Hotel in the building! This behind-the-scenes glimpse offered us a unique perspective on the day-to-day operations and the strategic vision guiding the theater's future.

I deeply appreciate Mrs. Ebanks and Mrs. Forbes for personally guiding us through these remarkable spaces. Their passion for the Apollo Theater and its significance to Harlem and the broader cultural landscape is truly inspiring.

The tour not only deepened my appreciation for Apollo's historical and cultural impact but also reinforced the importance of community engagement and support for the arts. I am grateful for this unforgettable experience and look forward to continuing to support the Apollo Theater in its mission to celebrate and promote the arts in our community.

Apollo Signature Wall

The stage crew started The Wall of Signatures in 1989 and can be found just off stage right. Hundreds of major stars have signed the wall. It is covered from top to bottom with names like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dog, P. Diddy, John Legend, LeBron James (that one is way up high), and even the signatures of President and Mrs. Obama.

Tree of Hope “Good Luck Stump”

In the 1920s and 1930s, a tree stood in front of the Lafayette Theater on Seventh Avenue. When New York expanded the avenues in 1934, the trees, including this one, were cut down. The Apollo Theater's amateur night host took a sliver of the tree, mounted it, and brought it onto the stage. Now, performers touch the "Tree of Hope" for good luck before every performance, hoping the crowd will reward their efforts!