Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 7:00 PM – Apollo’s Historic Theater, NY | EDT

Kwanza Jones brought unstoppable energy and vision to the Apollo Spring Benefit 2025. As Premier Sponsor through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, and as a longtime Apollo Board Member, she helped shape a milestone evening, marking the final Spring Benefit before the Theater’s first full-scale renovation in nearly 100 years.

From the stage, Kwanza introduced the inaugural Innovator Award, underscoring The Apollo as a place where culture is created, always imitated, never duplicated. She later joined forces with fashion legend Dapper Dan and actress-comedian Sherri Shepherd to present the award to honoree Teyana Taylor, a fearless artist whose bold moves embody the spirit of innovation.

Through her words, presence, and signature style, Kwanza made it clear that true innovation is powered by community, creativity, and the courage to dream in decades.

The Spring Benefit, Apollo’s signature fundraiser, is a spectacular celebration of the Theater’s rich legacy and its commitment to its future as a mission-led arts and cultural organization, a community anchor, and an economic driver for Harlem and New York City.

Recap