Black Nativity Dancer

Pictured, is Kailyn Mack, Karamu dancer in Black Nativity: A Karamu classic and Hughes' famed retelling of the Nativity story performed in traditional gospel style. In 1961, Karamu House founders Russell and Rowena Jelliffe commissioned Langston Hughes to write a Nativity story from the Black perspective. The play's original title, Wasn't That a Mighty Day?, was changed to Black Nativity right before the show's off-Broadway opening on December 11, 1961. Hughes spent his high school years at Karamu. After he graduated, Hughes sustained a lifelong intimate relationship with Mr. & Mrs. Jelliffe. He also stayed connected to fellow actors, artists, and directors.