On Sunday, January 14, 2024, a portion of McCowan Elite Dance Company, under the direction of Ms. La'Mia Stromile, performed in the 41st Civil Rights Movement Concert: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. held at The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.
The featured MMS student artists included:
- Cook-Dyson, Bryce 7th grade
- Hamilton, Alayna 7th grade
- Kelley, Trendyn 7th grade
- Pratt, Kyndall 7th grade
- Walton, London 7th grade
The scholars were selected for the opportunity to participate following TBAAL’s invitation to participate in the event as a result of their student leadership skills and high interest in dance as a career choice.
“This experience granted our Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School students the opportunity to display what they have been learning in my class regarding dance performance etiquette and collaboration with other dancers and choreographers,” said Stromile.
The Civil Rights Movement Concert: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. garnered four Emmys, under the direction of Mr. Curtis L King, Founder and President of The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, a special place that provides opportunities for young artists to cultivate experience toward careers in the arts.
Fun Fact: Ms. Stromile had the privilege to grow up in The Black Academy of Arts & Letters and performed for many years in The Civil Rights Movement Concert. She started back in 2005 when Laylah Hathaway was the featured artist. She's had the privilege to perform with Fantasia, Rueben Studdard, Chrisette Michelle, Ledisi, Karen Clark Sheard, and many others.