Studio Arena’s “Crown’s” is the first 2005 event scheduled to mark the 100th anniversary of the Niagara Movement.

The Niagara Movement – predecessor to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People – was born in Buffalo in 1905 when a group of leading African-American intellectuals, writers and activists met here and in Fort Erie, Ontario. The Movement holds a special place in the history of human rights. For more information on the Niagara Movement, go to www.niagaramovement.com/blogger.

“’Crowns’ is an exhilarating musical which celebrates the glorious and inventive tradition of the wonderful hats worn by African American women to church,” stated Gavin Cameron-Webb artistic director of Studio Arena Theatre. “Regina Taylor has woven a magical piece of sheer theatricality around this tradition and I am very pleased that we are able to bring this unique show to our stage.”

According to Cameron-Webb, “Crowns” was adapted from the acclaimed book, “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats” by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. Regina Taylor’s play presents an oral history of African-American women affectionately known as “hat queens.” Taylor, an artistic associate at Chicago’s Goodman Theater, creates a gospel-music-infused celebration of the tradition, style and grace of these women, their families, faith and journeys of self-discovery. Taylor tells the story through Yolanda, a tough black girl from Brooklyn who, after her brother is shot and killed, is sent to live with her grandmother in South Carolina. Through her grandmother and her fellow hat queens, Yolanda learns about the unique significance hats have among African American women. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said it was “A soul-stirring, hip-swaying spectacle…a made-to-order crowd pleaser.”

For a schedule of performances and ticket information, contact the theatre at 716-856-5650 or 800- 77-STAGE or log onto the website at www.studioarena.org.

Buffalo's Uncrowned Queens Institute for Education and Research on Women, Inc. has worked cooperatively with Studio Arena Theatre and the Buffalo Niagara CVB on launching the year of celebrating the Niagara Movement's 100th Anniversary.

"The opening of "Crowns" is an ideal time to honor the dedicated members of the Uncrowned Queens Institute who value their history and community enough to effect change for the better," said Ken Neufeld, Executive Director of Studio Arena Theatre. "We're happy to take part in recognizing the importance of the Niagara Movement in Buffalo's history."

The Uncrowned Queens Institute honors Black women of Western New York who have made significant contributions to the community from the time of the Pan American Exposition at the turn of the last century to today. The Institute was named after a poem entitled, "America's Uncrowned Queens" by Drusilla Dunjee Houston. More information can be obtained about the Uncrowned Queens Institute at www.buffalo.edu/uncrownedqueens