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The National
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
When a young candidate for New York mayor refuses to take a pro-Israel line
The Democratic mayoral primary in New York City on Tuesday is bound to garner eyeballs in the coming days and weeks. One reason why the results will be interesting is for the outsize role New York plays in American life. New York is home of some of America's defining cultural symbols: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Centre, Times Square, Broadway, and Harlem's Apollo Theater. It's also the country's most populous and demographically complex city, with its five unique boroughs that surprisingly co-exist in the same political entity. The City is also beset by many of the challenges confronting America, writ large: crime, housing, drugs, immigration, racial and ethnic tensions, problems with policing, gentrification, the high cost of living and political polarisation. And yet, New York remains a magnet, drawing hundreds of thousands of new immigrants from all over the world and young people from across the US to settle there, attracted by its allure and its promise of opportunity. With all of New York's complexity and problems, it's a wonder that any politician would want to take on the Herculean task of governing it. And yet, here we are, at New York's primary elections with nine major candidates vying to be the Democratic Party's nominee to compete in November's general election. It's notable that despite Cuomo and establishment Jewish organisations making a big issue of Mamdani's refusal to take a solidly pro-Israel line, he is running closer than expected to Cuomo in the competition for the Jewish vote The multiple layers of subtext that define this contest make it even more compelling. Of the nine major Democrats in the race for their party's nomination, one is a former governor, two are city-wide elected officials, one is a former city-wide official, and four are elected state legislators. At this point, the two leaders are former Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Representative Zohran Mamdani. Mr Cuomo, age 67, served 10 years as governor until he was forced to resign under a cloud of charges ranging from the vindictive way he dealt with staff and other officials, to corruption, mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic in nursing homes, and most significantly, credible charges of sexual harassment by a dozen women. Mr Cuomo has the endorsement of much of the state's Democratic establishment and the financial support of billionaire-funded political action committees that are spending millions on his behalf. He is running a campaign focused on his experience – a double-edged sword – and emphasising his centrist approach to politics, which in this polarised political environment is attractive to some New Yorkers and divisive to others. Mr Cuomo's major opponent, Mr Mamdani is a 33-year-old who has been in the state legislature for a scant four years. Despite his youth and inexperience, his progressive agenda and charismatic style have catapulted him into a near-tie for the lead. Mr Mamdani is running with the endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America and other left-leaning organisations in New York. His grassroots-led campaign has made him a leader in individual donations and provided his effort with a record number of volunteers. Both come from markedly different yet prominent family backgrounds. Mr Cuomo is the son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, a revered figure in the Italian American community. Before running for governor, he served as his father's chief of staff and 'fixer'. Mr Cuomo later served as former US President Bill Clinton's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Mr Mamdani is a Ugandan-born Muslim of Indian descent, who also has prominent parents. His father Mahmood is a world-renowned progressive intellectual and professor at Columbia University. His mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker. Mr Mamdani came to the US with his parents at the age of seven and became a US citizen in 2018. He was a student activist and after graduating was active in a number of progressive causes and campaigns. Because of his history of activism and compelling personality, some have compared his meteoric rise to that of Barack Obama. Last week, different polls showed Mr Cuomo up by 10 or by four, and another putting Mr Mamdani up by two. Beyond the horse race, the polls also tell another story – one that puts in stark relief some of the divisions plaguing today's Democratic Party. Mr Cuomo leads decisively among voters who are Black, Catholic or Protestant, non-college educated, and those holding moderate or conservative views, poorer, and older. While Mr Mamdani leads or is tied with Mr Cuomo among White, Latino, college-educated, wealthier, liberal and younger voters, Mr Mamdani leads among one of the largest groups of New York Democrats: those who have no religious affiliation. It's also notable that despite Mr Cuomo and establishment Jewish organisations making a big issue of Mr Mamdani's refusal to take a solidly pro-Israel line, he is running closer than expected to Mr Cuomo in the competition for the Jewish vote – which may get even closer as the candidate in third place, Brian Lander, who is Jewish and also critical of Israel, has 'cross-endorsed' Mr Mamdani in the primary contest. The polls lay bare the same problems Democrats have on the national level, the divisions that exist among the various component groups that have made up their coalition: young versus old, white versus non-white, religious versus non-religious, wealthier college-educated versus working class. As this election features what is called 'ranked-choice voting' – in which voters pick their top five candidates in order and then votes are tallied, weighted by preference – it is still too close to call. A prelude to November's race, the Democratic nominee will face New York's current mayor, Eric Adams, who is running as an independent candidate, and may also include the runner-up from the primary, as both Mr Cuomo or Mr Mamdani could run on a third-party slate. It's the final layer in a fascinating contest.
Black America Web
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Apollo Theater Raises Record Breaking Millions at Gala, Honors Legends
Source: Daniel Zuchnik / Getty The nation's iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem announced a record breaking $3.2 million raised at its 2025 Spring gala. The funds will support year-round programming that amplifies artistic excellence, youth education, community engagement and a major renovation of the over 100 year old theater that has launched the careers of thousands of African American artists from Ella Fitzgerald to James Brown to Gladys Knight, H.E.R. D'Angelo, and Lauryn Hill. Its Amateur Night is the genesis for popular shows like American Idol It was a night filled with purpose and praise, honoring music industry titan Clive Davis with the Legacy Award and inducting him into the Apollo's Walk of Fame. Rising from the very same stage she first stepped on as a child, Harlem-born artist and multi-hyphenate Teyana Taylor received the inaugural Innovator Award. Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summerswas there for Radio One to bring you the tea. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Clive Davis: Reviving Icons and Shaping Sound Few figures in the music industry have shaped careers as profoundly—or resuscitated them as masterfully—as Clive Davis. The legendary executive, founder of Arista Records, famously revitalized the careers of two vocal powerhouses: Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick. After Aretha Franklin's chart presence had faded by the late 1970s, Davis signed her to Arista in 1980. With an ear toward contemporary production, he paired her with rising producers like Luther Vandross, resulting in the chart-topping Jump to It and the Grammy-winning Freeway of Love . Franklin's resurgence under Davis's leadership marked one of the most celebrated comebacks in music. Equally powerful was Davis's role in returning Dionne Warwick to the top. After a career lull, he signed her to Arista in 1979. Warwick was unsure of her future in music—until Davis stepped in. 'You may be ready to give the business up,' Davis told her, 'but the business is not ready to give you up.' That encouragement led to I'll Never Love This Way Again —a platinum-selling hit—and the landmark anthem ' That's What Friends Are For.' Decades later, Warwick recounted: 'His words still ring in my ear… 'Uh‑uh, young lady. You may be ready to give this industry up, but the industry is not ready to give you up.' RELATED STORY: Usher Shows Mad Love to Wife at Apollo Theater 90th Anniversary RELATED STORY: Red Carpet Rundown: Doechii, Halle Bailey, Ciara & More Slay Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Gala Teyana Taylor: From Harlem Kid to Culture Shaper For Teyana Taylor, the night was a homecoming. Having first performed at the Apollo at just 8 years old, she returned now as a bold and boundary-breaking artist, director, and fashion visionary. Receiving the Innovator Award, Taylor offered heartfelt thanks to the institution that shaped her beginnings: 'Thank you for the village you have placed in my life. I'm filled with so much gratitude.' Her evolution from neighborhood prodigy to industry innovator reflects the very soul of the Apollo's mission—to nurture, elevate, and honor Black brilliance. Source: Shahar Azran / Getty A Starry Celebration of Sound and Legacy Hosted by comedian Kym Whitley, the gala unfolded with a vibrant lineup of performers, including Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Deborah Cox, Shoshana Bean, The Baylor Project, Avery Sunshine, and Camille A. Brown & Dancers—all brought to life under the direction of musical maestro Adam Blackstone. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton presented a moving tribute to longtime Apollo supporter entrepreneur Richard Parsons, recognizing his visionary leadership and dedication. And when the formal program ended, Harlem kept dancing—thanks to the return of DJ D-Nice, who transformed 126th Street into a star-studded party pulsing with joy, rhythm, and community love. The Apollo's Next Act: Restoration and Renewal Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks unveiled a bold vision for the theater's future, including an expansive renovation of the historic venue: 'Our education program is reaching more young people than ever… this renovation is part of an evolution set in motion more than a decade ago.' Updates will include new orchestra seating, modern acoustics and lighting, upgraded dressing rooms, and a full restoration of the iconic Apollo marquee—ensuring the venue remains as powerful visually as it is spiritually. The 2025 Apollo Spring Gala was more than a fundraiser—it was a resounding testament to the resilience and ongoing influence of Black music, art, and community. Its success in raising over $3.2 million positions the theater for its next phase, ensuring the Apollo remains a beacon for future generations of artists. Check out carpet interviews, Clive spilling the real tea on Aretha's and Dionne's comeback, Teyana's speech, and some of the dynamic performances BELOW. Source: Jazmyn Summers / Jazmyn Summers Article by Jazmyn Summers. Photos and video by Melissa Nyomi Stoll of MelshotyaYou can hear Jazmyn every morning on 'Jazmyn in the Morning 'on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz . Subscribe to J azmyn Summers' YouTube . Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
San Francisco Chronicle
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
‘We had our own Lauryn Hill': Raphael Saadiq goes off about Lucy Pearl bandmate Dawn Robinson at Oakland show
Raphael Saadiq did not hold back during the final night of his 'No Bandwidth: One Man, One Night, Three Decades of Hits' tour, which concluded in his hometown of Oakland. The special one-man show, which kicked off on May 31 at the historic Apollo Theater in New York before subsequent stops in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, wrapped up with two consecutive performances at the Fox Theater over the weekend that were as revealing as the crowds were rowdy. The format was reminiscent of 2020's 'Beastie Boys Story' on Apple TV+, though even more sparse and not as technically tight (certain sound and video cues didn't quite sync up). Saadiq on a sparse stage featuring a couple of stools, two guitars, a bass, a turntable and a piano as he shared personal stories about the triumphs and tragedies of his life growing up as a scrawny boy in East Oakland to becoming the co-founder of the 1990s hitmakers Tony! Toni! Toné! and a Grammy-winning producer. Fans were instructed to seal their electronic devices in Yondr pouches when they arrived at the venue, allowing Saadiq to speak openly without fear of a video of him and his comments going viral. As a reward, he gave the crowd an unfiltered account of the fallout that ended Lucy Pearl, the supergroup he formed with Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest and Dawn Robinson, of the Oakland-founded R&B troupe En Vogue. 'Since this is my last show, I'm going to tell y'all,' he said, with a laugh. 'This is why you don't have your phones.' He specifically addressed longstanding tensions with Robinson, whom he called 'our own Lauryn Hill,' referring to the Grammy-winning 'Ex-Factor' singer notorious for being late to her own concerts and the one blamed for canceled reunion tours with the popular '90s hip-hop trio known as the Fugees. 'Actually, I'd rather have Lauryn,' Saadiq said to audible gasps. And he didn't stop there. Reflecting on Lucy Pearl's abrupt dissolution in late 2001, just about two years the group formed, Saadiq recalled a tour stop in Amsterdam — their last — where he learned Robinson wanted to leave the band. 'I couldn't believe it. We did an album in six months, but toured for less than a month,' he said, referring to their self-titled debut that had dropped just a year before. At one point, Saadiq started singing the hook from the Lucy Pearl hit 'Dance Tonight,' which was sung by Robinson. 'See! I didn't need her. I could've sang it myself,' he quipped. To end the segment about what he called his 'Lucifer's Pearl' era, he dismissed recent reports of Robinson living in her car, saying bluntly, 'That sh— about her living in her car is not real.' This rare openness added gravity to a night that was as chaotic as it was thrillingly insightful. Fans showered Saadiq with a deafening outpouring of love, but their exuberance occasionally cut through his storytelling. A woman in the front repeatedly declared her undying love, and another went so far as to flash the musician. Saadiq's connection to Oakland — the city where his career began — only fueled the hooting and hollering throughout the venue. From namedropping his buddy and school 'bodyguard' Huston Lillard, father of NBA star Demian Lillard, to his alma maters Elmhurst Middle School and Castlemont High School as well as a slew of Oakland landmarks, he received rapturous cheers, many shouting out their connections to each he listed off. Saadiq appeared amused, every so often blowing kisses to fans, but also annoyed. He jokingly scolded and shushed the crowd, threatening to randomly name spots in Walnut Creek or Pinole because, he quipped, 'I know y'all don't leave to go out there.' Of course, the audience was most electrified when Saadiq sang his biggest hits with Tony! Toni! Toné! like 'Feels Good,' "Anniversary" as well as his solo tracks, 'Me and You' and 'Ask of You.' He later rattled off stories about working with the biggest names in the movie and music industry, from filmmakers John Singleton ('Boyz in the Hood') and Oakland's own Ryan Coogler ('Sinners') to Beyoncé and her sister Solange Knowles, the latter whom he called 'one of my favorites.' 'What makes me a great collaborator is that I'm a great listener,' he said, throwing shade at the show's main heckler. 'Not like you. I. Am. A. Listener.' He noted that while he never received awards for his solo work, he got his wins for his collaborations. Most recently, Saadiq won his third Grammy for his contributions to Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter," which won album of the year at the 67th Grammy Awards. Nostalgia and controversy intertwined as Saadiq mentioned working with Kendrick Lamar ('Why would Drake mess with that dude? And I like Drake!') and while reminiscing about the influence the Isley Brothers had on his music, which led him to bring up that group's frequent collaborator, R. Kelly. 'Kell's a bad boy,' he acknowledged, referring to the disgraced R&B singer convicted of multiple sex crimes. 'They should have gotten him some help.' It was a truly raw, unapologetic look into the 59-year-old's life and career. Just before wrapping up at 11:30 p.m. with anecdotes about his late big brother D'Wayne Wiggins, who died of bladder cancer at 64 in March, he wanted to make sure he made good with the crowd. 'I didn't mind the noise,' he told the packed theater. 'It was all love.'
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Apollo Theater Renovation: Behind the Scenes at the Historic Harlem Venue
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Apollo Theater at 125th Street in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan in the night. The Apollo Theater at 125th Street in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan in the night. Osmany Torres Martín/Getty Like any New York City neighborhood, Harlem is in a constant state of change, wrestling with gentrification while seeking to protect its history. In among that flux has been a constant—the Apollo Theater. First opened under a different name as a vaudeville and burlesque venue which excluded African Americans, the Apollo emerged in 1934 as a place for variety revues targeted at Harlem's growing Black population. It became a cultural cornerstone, with artists including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Sammy Davis, Jr. among the early career stars to take to its stage, which has also been graced by comedians, actors and the man who would go on to be the first Black U.S. president, then-Senator Barack Obama. Now, the Apollo is about to close its doors, but just for a while, as it embarks on the next phase of a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and expansion, which leaders hope will help it last beyond what they say is a challenging time for the arts and Black history. "We have lived through periods of segregation, political unrest, the pandemic. So much of the richness of what has made the Apollo what it is, is steeped in its history and legacy," Joy Profet, chief growth officer at the Apollo, told Newsweek. That legacy will be honored in multiple ways in the coming months and years: in the physical changes and preservations about to take place at the 91-year-old theater, a recently opened performing arts venue in the former Victoria Theater next door and in a new streaming platform with hundreds of pieces of archival footage and photos from decades past. 'It Has Stood for the Best in Black Music' On Wednesday, June 4, the Apollo gave its current form a glittering send-off. Stars including rapper Busta Rhymes, actress Kym Whitley and fashion designer Dapper Dan walked the red carpet beneath the theater's brightly lit sign on Harlem's famous 125th Street for the venue's annual Spring Benefit. Many spoke of the Apollo's place as a vital cultural institution for the Black community, with Rhymes telling reporters that future generations needed to continue to have access to the venue's historic and nurturing environment. "It's not only important in this moment, but it's also necessary that they get that education so they know how to evolve the culture, the way they need to contribute to the history," the rapper said. A legend and a newcomer were among those honored during the evening, symbolizing the venue's ongoing commitment to fostering new talent and acknowledging its past. (L-R) Larry Jackson, Clive Davis and Busta Rhymes attend the 2025 Apollo Theater Spring Benefit at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 04, 2025 in New York City. (L-R) Larry Jackson, Clive Davis and Busta Rhymes attend the 2025 Apollo Theater Spring Benefit at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 04, 2025 in New York City. Shahar Azran/Getty Record producer Clive Davis, now 93, was given the Apollo's Legacy Award, having launched and nurtured the careers of many Black artists, from Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys to Earth, Wind & Fire. "When you think of all the artists—Stevie [Wonder], Ella, Thand the Supremes, Gladys Knight—it has stood for the best in Black music," Davis told Newsweek after being inducted into the theater's Walk of Fame. "So, it has symbolically been the real thing, it is the real thing. So, I look forward to it freshening up and resuming being the real thing." In a new award for 2025, Harlem's own Teyana Taylor, a singer, songwriter and actress, was handed the inaugural Innovator Award. "Many of the quotes say that this is where stars are born and dreams are made," Profet said. "And that's really what has kept this institution so relevant." Apollo Theater's Refurbishment and Future As the party got started at the event, there were signs of work underway, with the Apollo's lobby already walled off for construction, which fully begins in early July. While upgrades have happened piecemeal over the decades, this will be the theater's first top-to-bottom refurbishment. "The lobby, as currently built—I think it was done in the 1980s—it is fairly dated, really not up to a landmark building, which the Apollo is," Chris Cowan, principal at Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, or BBB, told Newsweek. But in seeking to reflect the original 1914 building, all the team had to work with was a grainy black-and-white photo. So BBB delved into the records the theater has, while also seeking to create a space that is viable for the coming decades. The lobby will be expanded to twice its size, allowing it to be open day-round for visitors to grab a souvenir or use the new café/bar. Those new offerings will be surrounded by art deco-inspired finishes and set against a backdrop which has long been a fixture of the Apollo's entrance—a wall of fame showcasing photos of stars which have graced the stage over the years. But now it will be enhanced, Cowan said, with new digital experiences. "The history is so deep there, but we were able to bring in technology like touchscreen displays in the lobby. People will learn and be able to see the performers that made the Apollo what it is today, going back to the 1930s when the Apollo first started to allow African-American performers to perform there," Cowan said. The auditorium is where some of the biggest changes will take place. Standing at the back of the orchestra seating with Newsweek, as technicians got ready for the Spring Benefit, Profet explained that while much of the decoration in the space will remain, performances will be very different when the Apollo reopens. "A lot of those original landmarked pieces of the historic theater will be preserved, but this is an opportunity to really integrate interactivity into the experience, as well as technology, and to digitize a lot of what happens here," Profet said. While a wall filled with around 1,000 signatures of musicians, comedians and speakers—including former President Obama—will remain as it is, tucked in the wings, big technology upgrades are coming to a space designed in a time when electric lighting was relatively new and amplified sound wasn't imagined. "Right now, it's high volume. That's all they can do is blast sound," Cowan explained. "It doesn't get to all the points in the theater it needs to get to, so this is a way to really make a huge improvement for the patrons in terms of the sound, which is what people go to the Apollo for, right? It's to hear music and see shows." Seating, lighting and stage mechanics will all be upgraded, with the latter especially needed as scene changes are still manually driven with hemp rope—a practice most theaters have swapped for mechanics. For Cowan and the wider team working on the Apollo's next chapter, it is seen as "paramount" that the project enables the theater to survive. "With the loss of so many theaters on 125th Street, if you look at photographs from the 1930s and 40s it was lined with theaters like 42nd Street back in the day and they were all lost. All the grand old theaters were lost to development of various kinds, or just decay, and the Apollo, to me, it's like the last theater standing," he told Newsweek. Renderings of the foyer of The Apollo Theatre Renderings of the foyer of The Apollo Theatre Renderings courtesy of Charcoalblue, Flyleaf Creative, and Beyer Blinder Belle. 'It Extends Beyond Culture' All this work to expand and enhance the Apollo as a landmark arts venue in the heart of a historic Black neighborhood comes at a time when arts funding is in crisis. President Donald Trump recently targeted the Smithsonian Institution, which operates more than 20 museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in a recent executive order entitled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." For producer Larry Jackson, who has worked alongside Davis for over 20 years, it is vital that the Apollo remains strong. "It's a cultural church, it's a cultural mecca, it's a real sanctuary for Black culture," Jackson told Newsweek on the red carpet. "To me, maybe it's lofty and sacrilegious to say, I think the Apollo [is] on the same level as the White House. It's a landmark and a national treasure that should always remain." Profet told Newsweek she was confident in the Apollo's future, because of its past. "There were times in our history, in full transparency, where it really wasn't clear whether or not the Apollo would have survived," she said. But the Harlem and wider New York community came together, as well as city and state leaders, and those in Congress. One of the Apollo's long-time advocates was Democratic Representative Charles Rangel, who died in May. He described the theater as "like the Mecca" during an interview in 2007 and fought for its survival in the 1990s. That work is now being carried out by Harlem's current representatives at city, state and federal levels, along with community members. "We're all enthusiasts of culture, but we also recognize the unique role in the Apollo in shaping all things that have made America survive and thrive," Profet said. "It extends, in my opinion, beyond culture. It's about advocacy. It's about advocacy for humanity. It's about advocacy for the arts."
USA Today
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Clive Davis remembers Whitney Houston as he receives Apollo Theater's Legacy Award
Clive Davis remembers Whitney Houston as he receives Apollo Theater's Legacy Award Show Caption Hide Caption Megan Thee Stallion, Serena Williams, more arrive at Pre-Grammy party Watch the stars arrive at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala in Beverly Hills. USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa also speaks with Gayle King about the evening. NEW YORK – Clive Davis has been associated with the some of the biggest names in music, from Bruce Springsteen and Barry Manilow to Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. But the music producer/executive may have no greater association than that with Whitney Houston, from Davis discovering the singer at 19 to her death in 2012 at age 48 on the night of his Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly Hilton. The relationship between the two was on display Wednesday night in Harlem's Apollo Theater, where Davis received both a lifetime achievement award and a spot on the theater's walk of fame. Davis was honored with the Legacy Award at the Apollo's annual spring benefit, which raised over $5 million that will go to both renovating the theater and expanding its footprint in Harlem. "After 91 years, anyone, especially this great theater, deserves a modernization," Davis, 92, tells USA TODAY before a star-studded event June 4 that included performances from Method Man, Deborah Cox, Shoshana Bean and Busta Rhymes. "I can't wait to see the new Apollo Theater." The theater's facelift will include new seats, an expanded lobby and a retooling of its iconic marquee. Since 1914, the Apollo has served as both an anchor of the Harlem community and a beacon of Black culture. Performances from Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Michael Jackson along with comedians such as Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx have all contributed to the venue's legacy. The Essentials: Clive Davis gets candid about new artists, music essentials and Whitney Houston Clive Davis' colleague reveals Whitney Houston story Like Houston, record executive Larry Jackson linked up with Davis when he was 19. Jackson, who co-founded the media company Gamma, introduced Davis ahead of his Walk of Fame ceremony and revealed that Davis has helped artists both publicly and behind the scenes. "When Whitney post-divorce fell on a bit of hard times, (Davis) was there with huge financial and consistent support for her," Jackson said, noting that Davis' goal was to help her "pick up the pieces and put them back together" following Houston's 2006 divorce from Bobby Brown. Jackson also revealed that after a performance in 2001 where Houston looked "skeletal," he stayed "up until 2 in the morning with Clive on the phone that night talking about what we should do to intervene." Pat Houston, Whitney's sister-in-law, also spoke at the ceremony. "I could never speak about Clive and not mention Whitney, and I can never speak about Whitney without speaking of Clive," she said. "The only thing I wish for tonight is Whitney were here to speak instead of me, because I know how proud she would be of you at this moment." Teyana Taylor receives innovator award Teyana Taylor was born in Harlem and performed on the Apollo stage when she was 8 years old: She's now the recipient of the theater's inaugural Innovator Award. The honor was presented to her by fellow Harlem native and fashion designer Dapper Dan along with TV host Sherri Shepherd, who stars with Taylor in the new Netflix film "Straw." Prior to the introduction, rapper Method Man performed a medley of hits and joked that it was worth the "three hours of traffic" he hit en route to the venue to honor Taylor. Taylor's acceptance speech was filled with gratitude. She thanked Shepherd for her sisterhood, Dan for his mentorship and Method Man for believing in her. She also thanked God with a prayer she wrote before acknowledging her family and colleagues. "This little innovative little Harlem girl you see being honored tonight has a tribe that helps me be the greatest that I can be," Taylor, 34, said. "Thank you for having my back, my front (and) both sides." Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre go Instagram official with swanky Oscars photoshoot Diddy's presence looms at Apollo Theater event The spring benefit was a celebration of the Apollo and Harlem, but without one of the neighborhood's embattled luminaries. Sean "Diddy" Combs co-founded Bad Boy Records with Davis, but the music mogul is jailed while standing trial on federal sex-crimes in lower Manhattan. Still, his presence at the event was felt. Method Man's set included the single, "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By," which was mixed for radio airplay by Combs. Later in the evening, Rhymes performed "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II" which features Pharrell Williams and Combs. He also credited Davis with helping that song and others become radio hits. Dapper Dan, Busta Rhymes sound the alarm on the Apollo's future Last year, the Kennedy Center bestowed special honors on the Apollo to recognize its status as an iconic American institution. But on day one of President Donald Trump's second term, he issued an executive order to crack down on what he referred to as "illegal and radical' diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Trump later appointed himself chair of the Kennedy Center and took aim at the Smithsonian Institute, complaining that it has "come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology." The Smithsonian opened a Black history museum in 2016. Busta Rhymes, who performed a medley of hits to honor Davis, said before the event that he liked the renovation of the theater "so long as establishment's narrative doesn't change and the history doesn't get erased or removed." "I hope they keep people from the community like myself involved in it," Dapper Dan, born Daniel R. Day, says of the theater's expansion. "I'm deeply concerned about the way culture is being held back by those people in power. So our hope that the liberty that we have to express our culture is not curtailed by people in power."
