Catherine A. Kershaw, APR CPRC
Class
of 1983
Assistant Vice President
and Director of
Public
Relations
(386) 481-2990
kershawc@cookman.edu
Dan Ryan
Director of Publications
and
New Media
(386) 481-2984
ryand@cookman.edu
John Reeves
Campus Photographer
(386)
481-2988
reevesj@cookman.edu
September 3, 2003
MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OPENS TO SERVE DAYTONA BEACH AREA COMMUNITY
B-CC Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. J. Stanley Marshall, Poet Nikki Giovanni and B-CC President Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, Sr. lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center.
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA- Created to serve the community and further the legacy of College founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the doors opened to Bethune-Cookman College’s newest treasure, The Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center Wednesday with a ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony attended by over 1,800 members of the Daytona Beach area community.
The $23 million building, is located on the college campus at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and International Speedway Boulevard -- the main thoroughfare of Daytona Beach..
“I had a vision of the college one day having a building on this corner,” said B-CC President Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, Sr. “We had to figure out how to make it happen, and with the help of numerous friends, we celebrate this day.”
"Our founder Mary McLeod Bethune had a dream for her students, a dream that included everyone in the Halifax community. She wanted everyone to come together -- she always invited the community to join in," Dr. Bronson added. "Today we are expanding on the vision of Mary McLeod Bethune."
Dr. Bronson said that he knew Dr. Bethune would be very pleased.
"I can only imagine the joy and the spirit of thanksgiving of our founder, who wanted to draw people from far and near,'' Bronson said. "She never could have imagined her modest investment of one dollar and fifty cents nearly 100 years ago would lead to this $23 million edifice."
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COMPLETE COVERAGE NIKKI GIOVANNI'S POEM |
Dignitaries, including State Senator Evelyn Lynn, Daytona Beach City Mayor Bud Asher, members of the Daytona Beach City Council and members of B-CC's Board of Trustees were all in attendance as the Center's 2,500 seat auditorium was occupied for the first time.
“This is a significant moment in history, and I am glad that I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to celebrate this day, said B-CC senior Chelby Jordan.
Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni, who wished to be a part of the Center's opening ceremony after visiting the campus two years ago, returned to deliver the dedicatory poem.
“Mrs. Bethune had the first dream,” said Giovanni. “We dedicate this realization to that first dream.”
In addition to Giovanni, the event featured a litany led by B-CC chaplain Michael Frazier that included prayers from five area religious leaders. Later, a blessing conducted by Dr. Johnson Akinleye, Dean of B-CC's Division of Humanities symbolized the traditions and heritage of the College.
Students as well as community members marveled over the structure’s beauty as they toured the Center. Facilities include a 7,000 square foot lobby, six private dressing rooms, a spacious boardroom featuring state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, executive suites and a banquet center equipped with a full warming kitchen.
“I can’t wait to perform on this stage,” said Miss Bethune-Cookman College, Tiye Smith, who is a performing arts major.
The Performing Arts Center is scheduled to host an array of performances by such acts as BB King, the Boy’s Choir of Harlem, Lord of the Dance and the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker.
“This center is a beacon, a cultural Mecca and the new home for the arts of the campus of B-CC,” said Rob Rothman PAC director. "This is the community's building. We hope to see everyone back."
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