Introducing the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Board of Advisors

Board Member (since 2020) 

Chair

By-laws Committee Chair

Successful Sales, Relationship, and Operations Executive, known for transforming call/contact centers, sales teams, and partnerships into winning cultures with amazing results. Mr. Wilson has a strong track record of driving revenue and contribution results.    

Board Member (since 2016)

Vice Chair

By-laws Committee

As a multiple award-winning actor and the Artistic Director of Atlanta's New African Grove Theatre Company (NAG), Mr. Keith Franklin brings over 40 years experience in various theatrical endeavors and is a huge advocate for the arts in Atlanta. Under his leadership, NAG was recently recognized with the rare distinction of producing August Wilson's complete 10-play cycle. 

Board Member (since 2018)

Treasurer

Fundraising Committee

First Vice President of Community Development Banking - Mr. Antonio "Tony" Henson has over 25 years of experience in structuring project financing designed to spur neighborhood revitalization efforts in underserved communities.

Board Member (since 2020)

Secretary

By-Laws Committee

 Ms. Gina M. Jackson is a San Diego-based Adjunct Professor and Secondary Educator, Board Director for the San Diego Performing Arts League, and the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Cultural Noire Performing Arts Company.  She is also a National Endowment of the Humanities Scholar and has completed the Museum Studies Professional Studies Program at Northwestern University.   

Board Member (since 2016)

Planning Committee

Ms. Jeanette Hill is a multiple award-winning playwright/producer. Her work portrays the trials and triumphs of African Americans with an authentic voice.  She is a creative activist and founder of JWHill Productions LLC, a theater company based in Texas.

Board Member (since 2021)

ABTF Artistic Director (2014 -2021)

Fundraising Committe Chair

Dr. Shelton Land is the muscle behind building the Atlanta Black Black Theatre Festival into a world class brand. Under his leadership, the ABTF has added several programs including School Performances, The Dr. Doris Derby Monologue Competition and the ABTF College Intern program. 

Board Member (since 2023)

Fundraising Committee

Ms. Crawford has worked in both government and the private sector, administering contracts and grants.  She has a Bachelor's degree in Policy Studies from Georgia State University.  

Board Member (since 2022)

Planning Committee

Mr. Brooks is a Memphis based, IT expert who works in mainframe, problem management and several scheduling packages with users from all over the world. He also has over 20 years experience working with theatres and art festivals in production management.

Baard Member (Co-founder & Executive Director 2012 -2022) 

Planning Committee Chair

Toni Simmons Henson is a published poet, best-selling author, public speaker, and serial entrepreneur. She has over 30 years of expertise in business development, marketing, theatre and entertainment production. She is a graduate of New York University (MPA) and Howard University (BBA) and has earned Executive Certificates in Non-profit Management and Women in Leadership. 

Board Member, Served 2018 - 2022

Dr. Doris Derby was a retired Professor, Georgia State University, a Civil Rights Documentary Photographer, Archivist, ​Activist, Author, Exhibitor, Speaker, Art Collector​, Professor​, 

​​C​o-Founder of the iconic Free Southern Theater, Co-Producer of the Film, “Dirt and Deeds in Mississippi” . Dr. Derby was also the 2017 recipient of the ABTF Theatre Legend Award. The Dr. Doris Derby Collegiate Monologue Compettion was launched and named in her honor in 2018. 

Honorary Life Chair, Served 2012 -2022

Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Legend, 2012

Mr. Blacque is an Emmy nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning television and stage actor, best known for his role as Detective Neal Washington on the series Hill Street Blues. 

Founding Board Chair, 2018 -2020; Member 2018 - 2012 

Wilson was an award-winning author, playwright, screenwriter, publisher, and the Braida Endowed Chair of Creative Writing at Grand View University.  She authored over twenty-one published works, including the award-winning Wife 101 series.  

Her plays have been featured at notable theatre festivals around the country, including the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival where she won the Festival Favorate Award for Best Staged Reading (2018) and the National Black Theatre Festival. The Dr. A'ndrea Wilson Short Play Competiton was named in her honor in 2022.