Spelman College Welcomes Alumna LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson for Dedication of Renovated Performing Arts Center and Mural Unveiling

Courtesy of Spelman College

Homecoming at Spelman College was a star-studded affair as the College celebrated the official opening of the newly-renovated LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center on Thursday, October 24.

LaTanya, C’71, and Sam, Morehouse ’72, were joined by family, Hollywood A-listers and the Spelman community to dedicate the center and unveil a mural highlighting their lifetime of achievements in the arts. LaTanya and Sam, who met while students at Spelman and Morehouse College, respectively, donated $5 million towards the renovation of the Rockefeller Fine Arts Building. The contribution marked the largest alumnae donation in Spelman’s history. They also worked tirelessly to secure additional support for the renovation, bringing the total funds raised to $17.3 million. In recognition of the couple’s remarkable careers and support for the renovation of the building, the theater, lobby, and surrounding areas were named in their honor.

“Tonight’s celebration heralds a vibrant new era for the arts at Spelman, where performances and presentations will now flourish in a cutting-edge facility designed to inspire creativity and excellence,” said Spelman College Interim President Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer, C’84, who is also Chair Emerita of Spelman Board of Trustees. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to alumna LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson for their unwavering commitment and passionate support of the arts at Spelman. LaTanya and Samuel’s love story began on stage at Spelman, and their remarkable careers serve as a beacon of inspiration. It is only fitting that their journey is honored with a lasting tribute in the very place where it all began.”

The black and white mural, created by Atlanta artist Quintin Jackson, is a pictorial history in recognition and representation of the talents and contributions of LaTanya and Sam, including their time in the Morehouse Spelman Players theatrical group. The year-long project, which includes 135 images, came to life through archivist consultations, research and discovery of images, playbills, interviews with photographers of the times represented, and assistance from former Spelman Professor Dr. Carlton Molette, and other Spelman team members.

The star-studded evening was attended by family and friends of LaTanya and Sam, cast members from the soon-to-be released Piano Lesson movie, including Spelman alumna Danielle Deadwyler, C’2004. Other guests included director Spike Lee, Morehouse ’79; film producer Will Packer; author and Spelman alumna Pearl Cleage, C’71; former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; United Negro College Fund President Michael Lomax; members of the Spelman College Board of Trustees, leadership team, faculty and staff; and former Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell. The night concluded with a special arts performance by the Spelman College Arts division, showcasing the artistic mastery of our performing arts programs.

Spelman’s Continued Investments in the Arts and Innovation

Spelman has made substantial investments to enhance the integration of the arts and technology within the liberal arts and sciences. In addition to the investment to renovate the Rockefeller Arts Building, the College will open the new $86 million Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts (CI&A) in early 2025. The center will be a home to Spelman’s thriving arts programs in dance, documentary filmmaking, photography, theater and performance, music, the Atlanta University Center Art History and Curatorial Studies Collective, and provide expanded space for the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, and the Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab. Titled the “front porch”, the CI&A will open the campus to the Atlanta University Center’s Westside community.

Since 2015, the College has announced five new artistic major and minor courses of study, including documentary filmmaking, art history and curatorial studies, and hired new faculty to lead arts programs. Spelman is also excited to welcome Barbara Chirinos, the new artistic director of the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center and the Center for Innovation & the Arts.