The Apollo mourns the passing of Richard D. Parsons, our esteemed Chair Emeritus
.jpg)
Mr. Parsons, a titan of industry and dedicated philanthropist, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 76.
Mr. Parsons’s leadership of The Apollo was transformative. When our future was uncertain, he stepped forward with unwavering resolve, securing our success for over two decades. He deeply understood our role as a global icon, inextricably linked to Harlem and our impact on New York City. His vision cemented our legacy as a cultural institution that has profoundly shaped how we see ourselves and each other.
Today, The Apollo thrives, providing a vital platform for artistic expression and community engagement. None of this would be possible without the foundation laid by Dick Parsons. He was a driving force behind our expansion, officiating the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater and spearheading fundraising for the renovation of our Historic Theater.
Dick was more than just a Chairman; he was a beloved mentor to us all. He had a gift for bringing out the best in each person, making everyone feel valued and uniquely capable in their role. His love for music, his deep connection to Harlem, and his belief in the power of the arts to uplift and inspire New York City were at the core of his leadership. He understood what made New York, and indeed our country, great, and we join other cultural institutions in appreciating his profound contributions.
His leadership was defined by grace, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. He led with a steady hand and a warm heart, always putting The Apollo first. He will be dearly missed.
On behalf of the entire Apollo family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Parsons family. We are forever grateful for his invaluable contributions and enduring legacy, which we will continue to honor through our commitment to the success of The Apollo for generations to come.
About The Apollo
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.
The Apollo is a commissioner and presenter; catalyst for new artists, audiences, and creative workforce; and partner in the projection of the African American narrative and its role in the development of American and global culture.
The Apollo envisions a new American canon centered on contributions to the performing arts by artists of the African diaspora, in America and beyond.
