Black Theatre United's inaugural gala was held October 30, where a remarkable $1.2 million was raised to support BTU’s programs in Mentorships, Student Internships, BTU’s Annual Advocacy Summit and BTU’s Education program.

Supported by Business for Good (BFG), the evening celebrated the indelible mark that Black culture has had and continues to have on Broadway.

The evening honored Kandi Burruss, Common, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robyn Coles, Dr. N Anthony Coles, and Dr. Indira Etwaroo with performances by BTU founders Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis, Audra McDonald, LaChanze, Billy Porter, Capathia Jenkins, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Darius de Haas, Natasha Yvette Williams, and Lillias White. Presenters includes Andréa Burns, Nicholas Christopher, Lorna Courtney, Wilson Cruz, Seth Rudetsky, and Josh Groban.

BTU is a nonprofit founded to build pathways of access and opportunities for Black students and industry professionals who have been historically marginalized in the theatre community. Proceeds from the gala will support BTU's programs, including mentorships, student internships, BTU's education program, and BTU's annual Advocacy Summit.

The nonprofit's full founding group of actors, directors, musicians, writers, technicians, producers, and stage management includes Lisa Dawn Cave, Darius de Haas, Carin Ford, Capathia Jenkins, LaChanze, Kenny Leon, Norm Lewis, Audra McDonald, Michael McElroy, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Wendell Pierce, Billy Porter, Anna Deavere Smith, Allyson Tucker, Tamara Tunie, Lillias White, NaTasha Yvette Williams, Schele Williams and Vanessa Williams.

For more information, visit BlackTheatreUnited.com.