Apollo Theater appoints Michelle Ebanks as new president and CEO
NEW YORK -- The historic Apollo Theater in Harlem has just announced its new CEO and president.
Essence Corporation President and CEO Michelle Ebanks has been tapped to run the largest African-American performing arts organization in the nation, after leading the largest media company dedicated to African-American women.
The Apollo's longtime leader, Jonelle Procope, is stepping down after 20 years.
"I'm so proud of what we've been able to accomplish up until this point," Procope told CBS2 on Tuesday.
Procope is credited with revitalizing the theater after it had fallen into disrepair.
"The theater was languishing, but it was the Apollo," Procope said. "It's not something I ever thought about or aspired to, and very often in life, these opportunities present, and we just step up to the plate."
Procope feels a shared sense of purpose in Ebanks.
"To be able to present this plan with input from from my successor will be, you know, invaluable." Procope said. "And I think it will ensure the smooth transition from my leadership to hers. And I'm excited to see what she's going to do."
"I'm thrilled to be joining the iconic Apollo at such an important time in its trajectory," Ebanks said in a statement. "The Apollo continues to have such a profound impact on Black culture, and American culture, locally, nationally and internationally. It is such an exciting time as it expands its physical footprint, doubles down on supporting artists at every stage in their careers, collaborates with partners across Harlem and the world, and offers a platform for the voices of African American artists across the diaspora."
"I think she's going to be amazing," continued Procope, "and I feel gratified. I don't feel any reservation about where things will go, because I think that we've laid an excellent foundation."
Procope's final bow comes after securing $80 million to complete renovations at the Apollo and to expand to the stages of Victoria Theater a few doors down on 125th Street.
"The fact that we will be a performing arts center is a monumental accomplishment," Procope said. "And I'm so excited because my successor is going to come in and build on that."
Over the next four years, you will notice the upgrades, with the Apollo shutting down for a period of months for construction as programming picks up at the Victoria. Procope promises, however, the Apollo's character will never go out of style.
"I look at the stage," she said, "I look at the Tree of Hope, and I think about just really magical moments over the last 20 years."
Among her fondest memories, hearing melodies from artists like Ray Charles and Sting wafting into her office.
"I got to come in and sit while they were rehearsing when no one else was here," Procope said.
Those offices will soon move to the Victoria, making way for double the room in the lobby, complete with a cafe.
"It's going to be amazing because you're going to be able to look in from outside," Procope explained, "and people will be in the lobby not necessarily because they're here to see a show, but because the Apollo, as it always has been, is a gathering place."
The strategic plan will usher in a new era for Harlem's main stage.
On June 12, the Apollo will host its Spring Benefit, paying tribute to Tina Turner while honoring Sean Diddy Combs, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Warby Parker.
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