Cicely tyson

Did You Know?

Cicely Tyson is one of the founders of Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Founded in 1968 after MLK's assassination, it was supposed to be a destination for Black dancers unable to find work due to discrimination. Founded by her dear friend Arthur Mitchell, New York City Ballet's first Black principal dancer, it continues to thrive 56 years later. Cicely Tyson loved Harlem- she was raised in East Harlem, and frequented Harlem's best culinary and music establishments until her passing in 2021.  She was also a faithful member of Abyssinian Baptist Church - where Daphne was dedicated!

She has an EOT - With two Emmys for The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, which made her the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress, a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance as Miss Carrie Watts in The Trip to Bountiful, and in 2018, she became the first Black woman to receive an honorary Oscar.