Beverly Crawford and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), established in Dallas, Texas, in 1977 by Curtis King, is a cultural organization dedicated to supporting African Americans in the visual and performing arts. It fosters understanding of African, African-American, and Caribbean arts and letters. TBAAL preserves and promotes Black art and culture, offering a platform for diverse artistic expression. The organization was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2015.

Gainesville-born Pastor Beverly Crawford is a powerful gospel singer known for her fiery style and hits like “Now That I’m Here.” She earned Grammy, Dove, and Stellar nominations, and rose to fame on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel.