Harlem Heritage Tours and the Harlem Cultural Blog loves the legacy of the late Ms. Vivian Robinson, (on left in pic) one who believed if you want something done, don’t wait for others to do it, get busy and do it yourself. Ms. Robinson was also an advent lover of the arts, especially the theatrical arts. In 1966 she started working for the Amsterdam News as a clerk/typist then became the newspapers theater critic, writing reviews on a regular basis.
Ms. Robinson noticed that many within the Black theatrical community were not receiving their deserved recognition, and awards. In 1973, she and three of her friends started the Audelco Committee Inc. and the Audelco Awards with the idea of showcasing and exposing and awarding the best in the Black theater including actors, dancers, set designers, costume designers, choreographers and others who many times were over looked. Ms. Robinson was very interested in reshaping the way Blacks were seen and portrayed on stage, she celebrated meaningful portrayals of Blacks in roles that uplifted racial pride and dignity at a time when very few existed.
Ms. Vivian Robinson, a true Harlem culture maker who will never be forgotten.