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True Colors Theatre Company Presents 1st Ovation Circle Brunch
For 15 seasons, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company has created masterful works of theatre art that honor the African American experience, lift up diverse voices, and create cultural understanding. In honor of those that have championed True Colors Theatre Company’s mission of celebrating the tradition of Black storytelling while giving voice to bold new artists of all cultures, they announce the first annual True Colors Applauds: Ovation Circle Awards Brunch – which will take place on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Solis Hotel.
The last 15 years would not have been possible without the support of companies, foundations and individuals that have supported True Colors, establishing the theatre as a staple in the arts community. The Ovation Circle Giving Society was established to usher the theatre forward into the next fifteen years. The True Colors Applauds: Ovation Circle Awards Brunch was created to celebrate those that have brought the theatre to this point.
Emceed by Monica Pearson, the True Colors Applauds: Ovation Circle Awards Brunch program will include the presentation of five awards to individuals and organizations that have positively impacted the arts community. Four of the awards are grounded in True Colors’ core values of Abundance, Laughter, Respect, and Boldness, and a fifth award – the Jane Bishop National Theatre Award – is named after our late Co-Founder, who illuminated the path that led to the creation of True Colors.
Tad Hutcheson, Vice President of Community Affairs at Delta Air Lines, will accept the Abundance Award on behalf of Delta Air Lines, applauding the company’s outstanding support of the arts community.
Elisabeth and Afemo Omilami, Executive Director and Programs Operations Manager, respectively, of Hosea Helps, will receive the Laughter Award, applauding their artistry and their work in the social justice field.
Lisa Cremin, Director of Community Advancement at The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, will receive the Respect Award, applauding her exceptional work as an influencer in the arts community.
Lain Shakespeare, Corporate Citizenship Director at MailChimp, will accept the Boldness Award on behalf of MailChimp, applauding the company’s outstanding work in supporting the cause of social justice in our community.
Harry Lennix, Actor and Director, will receive the Jane Bishop National Theatre Award, applauding his commitment to supporting arts and culture causes that uplift future generations.
Host Committee members include our Co-Founder Kenny Leon and his wife, Jennifer Thompson; True Colors Board Chair Holly Firfer, Founding Board Member and Advisory Council Member Monica Pearson; True Colors Managing Director Chandra Stephens-Albright and her husband, Warren Albright, True Colors Board Members Dexter Conner, Johnita Due, Beverly Ferguson, Jennifer Jones, Vikki Locke, Cheryl Lomax, Teddy Parrish, Gerald Render, Eric Schroeder, David Vigilante, Charmaine Ward-Millner and Kandis Wood-Jackson, as well as other corporate and community leaders who are passionate about True Colors Theatre Company.
To learn more about True Colors Applauds: Ovation Circle Awards Brunch, visit the True Colors Theatre Company’s website at www.truecolorstheatre.org.
Thank you Shana Bagley for providing UMEEKTV with the press release.
Acclaimed performer, advocate, television host, and community leader Wendy Stuart, also known to many as Wendy Darling, was honored with the Activism Award at the 2026 Catskills Pride Awards Night held at The Eldred Preserve in New York.
The event celebrated individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, leadership, artistic achievement, and public service. Among a distinguished group of honorees, Stuart was recognized for decades of unwavering commitment to visibility, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ causes.
For many in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Wendy Stuart has long been a familiar and respected voice in the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism dates back decades, including participation in the historic New York City Pride March and service as an original board member of Triversity, The Pride Center serving communities throughout the tri-state region.
Beyond her advocacy work, Stuart has used her talents in entertainment and media to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. As host of Triversity Talk and co-host of If These Walls Could Talk, she has provided a platform for activists, artists, community leaders, and changemakers whose stories might otherwise go unheard.
During the awards ceremony, attendees celebrated Stuart’s remarkable ability to combine entertainment with purpose. Her efforts as a member of the Imperial Court of New York have also helped raise awareness and funding for countless LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives over the years.
Standing before an audience of supporters, fellow honorees, and community leaders, Stuart accepted the recognition with the same passion that has defined her career. The honor reflects not only her decades of activism but also her continuing commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Activism Award serves as a fitting tribute to a woman whose influence extends far beyond the stage and television screen. Through her work as a performer, advocate, and media personality, Wendy Stuart has consistently demonstrated that visibility matters and that one voice can inspire meaningful change.
Her personal mission remains as powerful today as it has throughout her career:
“I advocate, I educate, I entertain. I’m blessed to do so.”
As Catskills Pride recognized its 2026 honorees, Wendy Stuart’s award stood as a celebration of a lifetime devoted to uplifting others, strengthening communities, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices continue to be heard, respected, and celebrated.
Other honorees at the event included actress Melissa Gilbert, community leader Paula Campbell, artists Barry Becker and Tony Coscia, and artistic achievement recipient Nonna Hall, making the evening a memorable celebration of leadership, service, and pride throughout the region.
Watch Wendy Stuart’s speech at the Catskills Pride Awards on Youtube here:
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