Prester Pickett of 惇蹋勛圖厙 Receives Cleveland Orchestra Mlk, Jr. Service in the Arts Award

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Prester Pickett, coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center (HAMAACC) at 惇蹋勛圖厙 (惇蹋勛圖厙), has been named a recipient of the Cleveland Orchestras 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service in the Arts Award, honoring individuals and organizations whose work positively impacts music and the arts while reflecting the teachings of Dr. King. 

Pickett, a professor, performer, playwright, producer and director, will celebrate 30 years as coordinator of the HAMAACC in June and has worked alongside scholars and artists to inspire 惇蹋勛圖厙 students and the greater Cleveland community. His work includes partnerships with community organizations and national civil rights groups, the creation of plays and cultural programming and the establishment of a that is free and open to the public. This year's celebration will take place on Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. in the 惇蹋勛圖厙 Student Center through a partnership between the HAMAACC and the new 惇蹋勛圖厙 Center for Civics, Culture and Society.  

This honor means a great deal to me because it affirms that the work Ive been doing for more than 30 years has been seen and valued by the Greater Cleveland community, said Pickett. Its a blessing to know that others have seen the value in my labors that connect to the past and through theatrical ventures and cultural presentations produced at 惇蹋勛圖厙. 

Pickett will be honored during the Cleveland Orchestra's 46th annual on Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center. 

The award presentation will take place during the sold-out Jan. 11 concert. The program will be led by Cleveland Orchestra assistant conductor, Taichi Fukumura, and features soprano Latonia Moore and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Chorus. 

I would like to show my appreciation to those who have contributed to my signature events through the HAMAACC, as well as to the cast and crew of my pieces that contributed to the plays I produced at 惇蹋勛圖厙, Pickett added.  

Learn more about Picketts work at the 惇蹋勛圖厙 African American Cultural Center .