Honoring a Legendary Couple’s Impact on the Arts
Spelman College hosted a star-studded event to dedicate the newly-renovated LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center.
Alumna LaTanya Richardson Jackson, C’71, and her husband Samuel L. Jackson, Morehouse ’72, were at the center of the celebration, which included the unveiling of a mural highlighting their remarkable careers and support for the arts.
A Lasting Tribute on the Spelman Stage
The couple, who met as students at Spelman and Morehouse, donated $5 million towards the renovation of the Rockefeller Fine Arts Building – the largest alumnae donation in Spelman’s history.
In recognition of their generosity and impact, the theater, lobby, and surrounding areas were named in their honor. “Sam and I are continually invested in the success of Spelman College because Spelman first invested so much in us,” said Richardson Jackson.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
The mural, created by Atlanta artist Quintin Jackson, is a pictorial representation of LaTanya and Samuel’s talents and contributions, including their time in the Morehouse Spelman Players theatrical group.
“May the unveiling of this glorious mural be an inspiration to the beautiful artists past, present and future who walk these halls,” Richardson Jackson expressed.
Spelman’s Commitment to the Arts and Innovation
Spelman’s investments in the arts extend beyond the performing arts center.
The college will soon open the $86 million Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts, providing expanded space for the college’s thriving arts programs and community engagement.
Spelman has also added new artistic majors and minors, and hired faculty to lead these growing initiatives.
