A Taste for Excellence

African American Museum's young professionals group relaunches in Dallas

On August 17, more than 200 of Dallas’ next generation of cultural leaders came together to support the relaunch of the Young Professional Council at the African American Museum in Fair Park.

African American Museum Young Professional Council relaunch party

Photo by Ashley Gongora

Kristal Harris, Rodderick West, NiEtta Reynolds, D'Andrea Young

The event coincided with the exhibition "If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future," which features more than 60 pieces from 55 emerging, mid-career, and established artists.

Both the relaunch and the exhibition are sponsored by Nando's Peri-Peri, popular restaurant group that is opening its first North Texas location soon. A Houston restaurant recently debuted, and an Austin outpost is on the horizon.

Fun fact: Nando’s is one of the largest collectors of contemporary Southern African art in the world. The collection is uniquely displayed in Nando’s restaurants globally, providing access to millions of people, many of whom will never visit an art gallery or museum.

Attendees at the event enjoyed tours from exhibit curator Laurie Ann Farrell, along with cocktails, beer, and wine plus music by DJ Endolena.

Also at the event were members of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, the Dallas Museum of Art Junior Associates, Dallas Symphony Orchestra Young Professionals, Dallas Opera's Crescendo, Preservation Dallas Young Professionals, Dallas Regional Chambers Young Professionals, Broadway Dallas Young Professionals, and the TBAAL Millennium Board

The African American Museum is the only museum in the southwestern United States devoted to the collection, preservation, and display of African American artistic, cultural, and historical materials that relate to the African American experience.

The museum has a small-but-rich collection of African art, African American fine art, and one of the largest African American folk art collections in the United States.

"If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future" recently received a 2023 TACA (The Arts Community Alliance) pop-up grant given to exceptional shows producing compelling art that inspired creative collaboration, radically inclusive innovation, and artistic excellence.

Open to the public at no cost, the exhibition runs through Sunday, October 22.

To learn more about joining the Young Professional Council, visit the African American Museum's website.

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Dance News

Dallas Black Dance Theatre makes interim artistic director permanent

Photo by Aleah Pilot

Richard A. Freeman Jr. became the new artistic director October 24, 2025.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has officially named Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as its new artistic director, ushering in a new era of leadership for the dance company as it approaches its 50th anniversary season.

Freeman, a longtime member of the DBDT family, has served as interim artistic director through the company’s recently completed 48th and current 49th seasons. His appointment, effective October 24, 2025, marks a natural progression for the former lead dancer, resident choreographer, and artistic project coordinator, whose career within DBDT spans more than a decade of creative and organizational leadership.

“Richard has been an integral part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as interim artistic director made this decision clear,” says Heidi K. Murray, a member of DBDT’s board of directors, in a release. “His dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter.”

DBDT founder Ann M. Williams echoed the sentiment, calling Freeman’s appointment a full-circle moment for both artist and company. “Richard embodies everything Dallas Black Dance Theatre stands for: artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,” she says in the release. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT’s future.”

During his tenure as interim artistic director, Freeman guided DBDT through seasons marked by artistic innovation and expanded community engagement, but also staff shake-ups and legal issues.

In October 2024, accusations of retaliation surfaced after 10 DBDT dancers, its entire main company, were fired following their decision to unionize in May and demand better working conditions. This led to an unprecedented "Do Not Work" order by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Dallas City Council ultimately voted to withhold $248,000 in city funding due to labor violations, and DBDT later settled for $560,000 with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response, DBDT formed a 17-member advisory stakeholder task force co-chaired by Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Shawn Williams, vice president of public affairs at Allyn. The group has been working with DBDT leadership to review the organization’s policies and practices, propose changes that foster an accountable environment, and put in place safeguards to prevent future concerns related to talent.

In September 2025, executive director Zenetta Drew announced her retirement after nearly four decades with the company. A national search for her replacement will start in early 2026. Williams retired in 2014.

As artistic director, Freeman will oversee all aspects of DBDT’s artistic operations, from performances to educational initiatives, and continue to expand its reach throughout Dallas and beyond.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,” Freeman says. “This company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Freeman began his training with the District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet before graduating from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. His performance credits span acclaimed companies and productions, including Elisa Monte Dance, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy and Bess, and The Wiz.

Freeman’s choreographic works have been featured by leading institutions such as Texas Ballet Theater School, Texas Christian University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has also shared his expertise through master classes and workshops nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to DBDT’s educational mission.

Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest and largest professional dance company in Dallas and one of the most acclaimed Black dance institutions in the U.S.

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