Harlem’s Creative Spirit Shines at the Voza Rivers Legacy Series Open‑Mic Competition

The energy inside Shepard Hall was electric before the first scene even began. As the doors opened at 6 p.m. and the audience filed into City College of New York’s historic room 350, there was a hum of anticipation in the air. By 6:30 p.m., the seats were filled with artists, elders and community members ready to witness Harlem’s next great stories.

I had the honor of taking a seat at the judges’ table for the inaugural Voza Rivers Legacy Series “Open‑Mic” Competition for Playwrights and Screenwriters, presented by New Heritage Theatre Group in partnership with City College of New York. Across two evenings—October 20 and November 3, 2025—we heard scenes from emerging writers vying for a chance to have their work produced in a full‑length reading later this season. As a long‑time champion of Harlem’s creative spirit, I was humbled to help guide and celebrate these voices.

The concept behind the Legacy Series is simple but profound: nurture and amplify new stories from communities whose voices have too often gone unheard. It’s a mission that defines the work of Voza Rivers, the legendary co‑founding producer of New Heritage Theatre Group, whose six‑decade career has given countless artists their start. To sit in a room filled with his spirit, and with a lineup of young storytellers carrying his torch, felt both historic and immediate.

Scene after scene unfolded with passion and purpose. Some works confronted social justice issues head‑on, others explored family, love, humor and Harlem’s unique rhythm. Each writer brought a distinct voice, yet together they formed a tapestry that reminded us why live theatre matters—it reflects us back to ourselves and pushes us forward.

Throughout the evening I found myself scribbling notes and smiling. The camaraderie among the judges and the enthusiasm from the audience created an atmosphere of encouragement rather than competition. We weren’t there to critique so much as to lift up. Five writers will ultimately be selected for full‑length readings later in the season, but every participant left knowing that their work and their perspective mattered.

As I looked around the hall, I thought about Voza Rivers, whose living legacy permeated every corner of the room. Here is a man who has spent more than sixty years championing Black theatre and artists of color, nurturing institutions like New Heritage Theatre Group and beyond. This event was yet another testament to his belief that Harlem’s creative spirit is limitless.

By the night’s end, the room buzzed with conversation. Audience members lingered to congratulate the writers and share their own stories. It was clear that this was more than a competition; it was a celebration of community and the art of storytelling itself.

The Voza Rivers Legacy Series Open‑Mic Competition reminds us that Harlem’s soul doesn’t rest on its past alone. It thrives in the emerging voices, the new scenes, the bold ideas that continue to rise from our streets and stages. I’m grateful to have witnessed this beginning and look forward to seeing these stories take flight in full‑length productions later this season. Thanks to the producers of the event Irene Gandy, Amy Sprecher & Aaliytha Stevens.