SECC A Night at the Theatre & Community Reception

You are invited to join the South East Chicago Commission for "A Night at the Theatre," an evening of fun, fundraising, and a fantastic theatrical showcase! Our favorite night of the year supports the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program, which supports community beautification and provides microgrants for selected beautification projects in Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park, and Woodlawn.

5:00 PM Community Reception at Augustana Lutheran Church (5500 S. Woodlawn Ave)
7:30 PM World Premier & Opening Night Performance at Court Theatre (5535 S. Ellis Ave)

Parking: Free parking is in the parking structure at E. 55th St and S. Ellis Ave. Conveniently located within a half-block walk to the reception and the theater.

After the reception, join us for opening night of the soulful and stirring performance of Stokley: The Unfinished Revolution. Directed by Tasia A. Jones, the story depicts Civil rights activist Kwame Ture, born Stokely Carmichael, and his rise to prominence and several people who made it possible. The thematic question becomes: What does it mean to trust someone with a movement when you can’t trust them with your heart?

Please purchase your tickets by Friday, May 17, 2024. If you cannot attend, donations are greatly appreciated, regardless of size.

About the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program
The Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program is an initiative administered by the SECC that supports community beautification efforts throughout the midsouth lakefront region. One componenet of the program is providing microgrants of up to $5,000 each to neighborhood organizations to support beautification projects that enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and allow us to work together as community partners for the improvement of all our areas.

The program is designed to enhance the physical attractiveness of our five-footprint communities. Since 1999, we have granted nearly $1 million in beautification grants to over 200 unique and impactful projects.

About Shirley J. Newsome

Shirley J. Newsome joined the SECC Board of Directors in 2006. She was appointed Board President in 2008 upon former board President Valerie Jarrett’s departure to serve President Barack Obama. Newsome led the SECC Board and the SECC’s efforts in housing, transportation, business development and retention, neighborhood improvement, and arts and culture. Newsome served on the SECC Board until 2020 and on the SECC’s Advisory Board through her passing in December 2022.

Tickets are non-refundable. The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is a non-profi­t organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. A donation to the SECC may qualify for an income tax deduction in accordance with Federal and/or State income tax laws. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine whether your donation and/or tickets purchased are tax deductible in whole or in part. Nothing in this communication is intended to constitute legal or tax advice.