1974-1977: AFRAM and More​

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Gil Scott-Heron performing at the AFRAM Expo Festival, August 8, 1976. Robert Breck Chapman Photographs.

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AFRAM Expo 76 Festival program cover, 1976. Robert Breck Chapman Photographs.

1974: Actress Alfredine Brown joins CAP and begins the expansion of the theater program, including the creation of a new theater center at Baltimore City School Number 122, Preston Street and Druid Hill Avenue.

1974: Percy Thomas creates the Free Spirit Theatre as an outgrowth of the expanding CAP dramatic arts program. 

1974: Olufunmilayo Jomo starts her dance company out of the CAP Urban Youth Ballet program. The company goes on to create America’s first urban production of the Nutcracker Ballet.

1975: CAP sponsors the founding of the New Baltimore Dance Theater with Orville Johnson as artistic director. 

1976: With CAP support, the first AFRAM Expo Festival is held to honor the history and culture of Black Baltimoreans and their African ancestors.

1977: CAP moves its main office to 409 North Charles Street and opens new studio and gallery space as Gallery 409. 

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Crowd at concert performance at the AFRAM Festival, 1981. Robert Breck Chapman Photographs.