We welcome Swans Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, Lydia Abarca Mitchell, and Karlya Shelton Benjamin for this virtual event. Also joining us will be Swan Gayle McKinney-Griffith's daughter, Khadija Griffith. This is the forgotten story of a pioneering group of five black ballerinas and their fifty-year sisterhood, a legacy erased from history—until now. Their story is told in Valby's book The Swans of Harlem. This title is an Oprah 2024 Summer Pick! Larry Zaccaro will be moderating this event.
Gayle McKinney-Griffith, passed away in October 2023 at her home in Quaker Hill. Gayle attended Waterford Public Schools and graduated from Waterford High School in 1967. She shared her immense talent and love of dance with young performers around the world. "Miss Gayle" was a beloved instructor to the dancers at Connecticut College and the Dance Extension in Waterford. We are pleased that her daughter Khadija Griffith will be joining us for this discussion.
Click here to register for this virtual event. If you're interested in viewing the event with others, we will be providing a virtual showing in the lower level meeting room.
Waterford RISE (Residents for Inclusion & Social Equity) co-sponsors this event!