WSSU chancellor highlights university’s impact at IBTF Celebrity Reception
The International Black Theatre Festival Celebrity Reception held July 26 at Winston-Salem State University was much more than a glamorous social event.
The reception featured acclaimed actors and actresses, an impressive menu and lively music, but what defined the evening was WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, who shared the excellence taking place on WSSU’s campus of nearly 5,000 students while demonstrating how the institution’s impact extends far beyond the city of Winston-Salem.
After welcoming guests, Brown said WSSU is honored to be recognized as the nation’s leading HBCU for social mobility.
“We earned a Carnegie Classification as an Opportunity College, which means we are tops for getting students from one income level to the next, and we are proud of that,” said Brown. She then cited the “transformational generosity” of MacKenzie Scott, who donated $50 million to WSSU in November 2025 on top of $30 million in December 2020.
“That is a transformational gift that’s going to help us grow our endowment and expand our scholarships for future Rams,” Brown said. “We are being wise stewards of those funds, so it keeps giving for generations to come.”
Brown mentioned the $45 million in state funds the university was awarded this month, just over $14 million of which will be spent on renovations and expansion to the K.R. Williams Auditorium — the site of many previous IBTF performances.
Brown said the renovated auditorium, which she expects to be reopened by the next IBTF in 2028, will be a state-of-the-art venue that will serve WSSU students while enriching the cultural life of Winston-Salem and providing opportunities for performing arts to flourish for years to come.
The first permanent female chancellor in Winston-Salem State University’s history, Brown received a standing ovation while walking to the podium after being introduced by WSSU Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence II.
Jackie Alexander, executive producer and director of the IBTF and the North Carolina Black Repertory Company; Brittany Giles-Jones, managing director of the IBTF and North Carolina Black Repertory Company; Denise Adams, mayor pro tempore of the city of Winston-Salem; and Angela Robinson, an award-winning actress and singer and co-chair of this year’s festival, joined Brown in giving remarks.
Brown often had to pause for applause as she spoke. She emphasized to attendees WSSU’s commitment to access extends beyond the classroom, saying it’s reflected in the partnerships the institution cultivates, the communities it serves and the experiences that broadens its students’ perspectives.
“Few partnerships embody those values more than our longstanding relationship with the North Carolina Black Repertory Company and the International Black Theatre Festival,” Brown said of the event, which changed its name from the National Black Theatre Festival to the International Black Theatre Festival in 2024.
“For the past 14 seasons, Winston-Salem State University has proudly hosted this reception. Each time we gather, we are reminded this occasion is about much more than welcoming celebrated artists to our campus,” Brown said. “It’s about creating opportunities for our community to engage with Black excellence, powerful storytelling and a rich cultural legacy that inspires creativity, leadership and possibility. That is why hosting this reception is so meaningful. It reflects who we are as a proud historically Black university, a place where scholarship and the arts come together to preserve history and inspire innovation.”
Brown also acknowledged WSSU students, several of whom volunteered at the reception, calling them “amazing” and saying they are preparing to become the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers — and the reason she remains committed to the university’s mission.
Nana Mayala, an artistic director for Nubian Theatre Dance & Music Company, said she enjoys the celebrity reception each time she attends.
“The reception is always a great meet-and-greet because with the activities that go on the rest of the week, sometimes as artists and friends we don’t get a chance to interact with each other,” Mayala said. “WSSU always does a good job with the festival. They make sure the festival attendees are well taken care, well hosted and well celebrated. It’s a very special time.”
Mayala’s son, Lamman Rucker, was co-chair of the 2011 National Black Theater Festival and was among the featured celebrities at this year’s event. He’s best known for his roles in Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?,” “Meet the Browns” and “Why Did I Get Married Too?”
Malaya, who joined others on the dance floor during the reception, said she enjoyed learning more about Winston-Salem State University from Brown.
“It’s just amazing, and it’s a real affirmation in terms of the school, making sure we have a strong foundation for our young people in terms of establishing their academics and their life career paths,” Mayala said. “It was just wonderful to hear about everything going on at Winston-Salem State University.”
