Pearl announced near the end of the 38 th season of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity that this was her last round as organist for the production. Ms. Allen, who joined the staff of the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts half a century ago as Wardrobe Mistress in the Sewing and Costuming Department, is a gifted keyboard artist and soon found all of her talents valued by the NCAAA. In l970, our first production of Black Nativity was mounted. Mrs. Allen joined noted Musical Director John Andrew Ross at the piano and organ. Every season since, except for a short period of illness, Mrs. Allen performed with the show. She gave a decidedly uplifting gospel accent to the sound of Black Nativity, an uplift that evinced her personal warmth and kindness.
The NCAAA, and especially the family of Black Nativity, are pleased to honor Pearl Allen for her brilliant contribution to our work and for his warm friendship over the years.
With all our love,
Edmund Barry Gaither
Director