(Los Angeles, CA) The Inner City Cultural Center Alumni pay tribute to August Wilson, Playwright and Icon to Black Theatre, and Nipsey Russell, Comedic Actor and Trailblazer, Hosted by Ted Lange at the 5th Annual C. Bernard Jackson Day Celebration, Friday, November 4th, 2005. Happy Hour, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., is followed by SHOWTIME, at 8:00 p.m. at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, (formerly known as the Ebony Showcase Theatre) located at 4718 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, California.

Directed by Adleane Hunter, excerpts from two of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning classics, "Fences" and "Piano Lesson," will be presented. The cast includes Aloma Wright (Nurse Laverne Roberts, Scrubs), Roger E. Mosley (Magnum, P.I., Roots, The Mack), Jeris Poindexter, Terrence Ellis, Ken Sagoes, Bill Lee Brown, Gayle Samuels, and William "Skeeter" Ellis.

High-school students, vocalist Shaneka Cowan and actress Chanea Thomas will also perform and receive scholarships at this star-studded event.

The Producers, Ernest Dillihay, Rosa Maria Marquez, and Sandi Sheffey, and Associate Producers, Barbara Barnes and Gail Kennard, are Inner City Alumni who worked closely with C. Bernard Jackson and continue his legacy. The Musical Director is Maestro Delbert Taylor. The Nate Holden Performing Arts Center is an arts facility of the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department .

Like C. Bernard Jackson, August Wilson was a participant in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960’s. He wrote a series of ten full-length plays, one set in each decade of the twentieth century and represents a comprehensive picture of the African-American experience in the United States. He won numerous awards for his productions, and was recently honored by the naming of a theatre on Broadway after him.

Actor / comedian, Nipsey Russell, was famous for being the "poet laureate of television." He made frequent guest appearances on television game shows and talk shows, and was one of the first African Americans to become a regular panelist on game shows. Nipsey Russell received critical acclaim for his role as the Tin Man in the 1978 film version of "The Wiz," but was widely known for his television career, including appearances on "The Dean Martin Show," "Hollywood Squares," "The $50,000 Pyramid," and "Match Game." Nipsey also appeared in the films "Nemo," 1984; "Wildcats," 1986; and "Posse," 1993. He launched his television career in 1961 as Officer Anderson in the television series "Car 54, Where are You?" He also appeared in the 1994 film version; however, his gift for gab and timely poetry made him a national television personality. He also took his poetry on the road for readings and performances. He remains an icon and trailblazer to many.

C. Bernard Jackson was the co-founder of the first multicultural, multiethnic and multidisciplinary performing and visual arts institution in the country... Inner City Cultural Center. Beah Richards, Brock Peters, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Larenz Tate, Carmen Zapata, Forest Whittaker, Woodie King, Debbie Morgan, Robert Hooks, Siedah Garrett, George C. Wolfe, Glynn Turman, Ted Lange, Mako, Sab Shimono, Luis Valdez, the late Michelle Thomas are just a few recognized artists who spread their artistic wings at Inner City Cultural Center under the direction of C. Bernard Jackson.

Join Alumni Ernie Hudson, Glynn Turman, Ted Lange, Art Evans, and Wendy Raquel Robinson as the evening begins with a 6:00 p.m. Happy Hour, followed by excerpts of August Wilson's plays, "Fence," and "Piano Lesson."

This is our life, our legacy... join the celebration. This event is open to the public with advance ticket donations of $10.00, and $15.00 at the door. There will be a post show Scholarship Dance/Reception cost of $10.00.

For additional information, contact: Rosamaria Marquez at 323.222.4740 or Brandilyn Amie at 626.791.4752. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Rock Rose Art Gallery, 4108 N. Figueroa, Highland Park 90065 - call 323-222-4740 or donations can be made at the door. Ample parking is available.