2023 grand marshals

Quintessential Harlem girl, Gracie Award winner and life-long New

Yorker Bevy Smith is the host of Sirius XM’s “Bevelations” on Radio

Andy.  Once a wildly successful luxury fashion publishing exec, Bevy

shifted her professional goals over a decade ago to pursue a life in

front of the camera. A pop culture aficionado and fashion expert,

Bevy served as moderator of Bravo TV’s revolutionary “Fashion

Queens," and was a former co-host on the nationally syndicated

“Page Six TV.” Bevy now appears as a regular member of the Talk It

Out Panel featured on the nationally syndicated hit morning show

SHERRI hosted by Sherri Shepherd. Always pushing the boundaries

Bevy has embarked on a new acting career and has appeared as the

fan favorite Aunt Tammy on the first two seasons of the Prime Video

series HARLEM. Smith’s debut book “Bevelations: Lessons from a

Mutha, Auntie, Bestie” which details her transition from a fashion

advertising executive into a media personality was published through

Andy Cohen Books, the eponymous imprint at Henry Holt and

Company on January 12, 2021 and the paperback was released on

January 18, 2022. Bevy’s debut TED Talk in April of 2022 breaking

down her greatest #bevelation, It Gets Greater Later™, has garnered

almost 4 million views and was in the Top Three TED Talks of 2022.

In 2023, Bevy was invited back to serve as a Speakers Ambassador

at TED, mentoring two first-time talkers who went on to receive

standing ovations at the conference.

Awards/Honors include: Black Women in Media Pioneer Award;

Gracie Award for National Radio; Harlem Eat Up! Luminary Award

Winner; Harlem Fashion Row Style Awards-The Trailblazer; Harlem

Honors Award; Harlem United-Community Champion; NYABJ

Award’s Honoree; PowHERful Foundation Gala Honoree; Range

Rover Evoque City Shaper 

Hosting/Moderating jobs include:  92Y talks with Whoopi Goldberg,

Fern Mallis, Chrissy Metz and Devon Franklin; ABFF/HBO Short Film

Panel; Apple Store Presents Meet the Musician: Ashanti; Apollo

Theater’s Homage To Billie Holiday; Art For Life Gala Red Carpet;

Hetrick-Martin’s Emery Awards; Essence Best in Black Fashion Week

Awards; Foundation For Letters Gala; Harlem Eat Up’s Harlem Stroll

in Morningside Park; HBO/Blackhouse Sundance Conversation with

Issa Rae and Prentice Penny; HBO’s Sundance Film Festival

Cocktails With Bevy; HIV Stops With Me Campaign Screening of 90

Days; Housing Works Groundbreaker Awards Dinner; Housing Works

Fashion For Action Design on a Dime; National Black Theater x

Jeremy O’Harris Town Hall Conversation; SESAC Awards; Sirius XM

Town Halls with Tyler Perry, Wendy Williams, Cast of NBC’s The Wiz

Live!, Tamron Hall, Simone Biles; Stars of NY Dance Competition;

Stonewall Community Foundation Vision Awards; Toyota Music’s: A

Quintessential Night; WOC x WOC: Our Voices, Our Health,

Ourselves; YouTube x Slick Rick Is Art Presents Video Music

Premiere.

Joy Bivins is Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture— a division of the New York Public Library and the world’s premier repository for archival materials related to African, African diaspora and African American life, history, and culture. Before joining the staff of the Schomburg Center in 2020 as Associate Director of Collections and Research Services, Bivins was Chief Curator of the forthcoming International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. From 2002-2018, she was on staff at the Chicago History Museum where she served as Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs. Ms. Bivins holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Cornell University.

Ashley Keiko is an up and coming saxophonist, composer, singer/songwriter and

entrepreneur who has studied classical piano, alto saxophone, and has taught music for many

years. Ashley has performed at major venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York City and

Wollongong University in Australia. She has also performed for Steve Harvey, on the nationally

syndicated TV game show, Family Feud. Ashley’s performance experience includes participation

as lead saxophonist for the York College Blue Notes and for venues such as Minton’s Playhouse

in Harlem and Live at the Gantries. Her debut album, “Pursuit of Harmony”, was released in

November of 2020, which features Ashley’s originals and covers of classics, while displaying her

smooth jazz saxophone tones across genres of hip hop, R&B, pop, and gospel. The album also

features Ashley’s newly debuted soothing and serene vocals.

Ashley received her Masters in Music and Music Education at Teachers College,

Columbia University. While at Columbia University, Ashley also studied abroad at The Arts

College at Xiamen University, Fujian Province, China, where she practiced music and reflected

on the ways in which culture, language, and the arts intersect in a trans-cultural world. Prior to

her graduate coursework and study abroad, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Jazz

Performance at School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School.

Alongside her roles as performer, music educator and music advocate, Ashley expanded

her music academy, Keiko Studios, in January 2018 with the grand opening of a store front

location that caters to adults and children who aim to explore the importance of music and music

expression. Ashley’s academy supports communities where opportunities for music education are

limited. Since the opening, the academy has been featured on Now This News and has been

recognized by both of Ashley’s alma maters.

A native of the Bronx, Joaquin Dean is a legendary and globally respected figure within the

Hip Hop community as the Founder and CEO of Ruff Ryders Entertainment - which he

built alongside his brother, Darrin "Dee" Dean, and sister, Chivon Dean in 1988.

Currently Mr. Dean has created an independent platform that assists in developing several RR

entities while continuing to build his long-established global brand.

Mr. Dean’s influence and extensive knowledge play an integral role in supporting the community

with his nonprofit foundation, Ruff Ryders 2 The Rescue, a community watch/youth music-based

program, while he manages a record label, owns a Multi-Platinum Recording Studio, heads a

TV/Film division through which with E1 and BET released The Ruff Ryder Chronicles in 2020, as

well as his streaming radio station Ruff Ryders Radio. Mr. Dean also oversees 400+ Ruff Ryders

Lifestyle members which include motorcycle chapters worldwide.

From its Yonkers, New York headquarters, Ruff Ryders Entertainment launched the careers of

DMX, Eve, Swizz Beatz, Cassidy, The Lox, as well as solo releases from all three members of The

Lox all of whom are still known today.

At its pinnacle, Ruff Ryders went on to release five label compilation projects over the course of

a decade with 35 million records sold collectively with two of its compilation albums debuting at

#1 in same year and a host of their projects earning platinum and gold status.

Overall, no matter how successful the Ruff Ryders has become, Mr. Dean has always given back,

ensuring the community/the streets he came from were able to benefit from his company’s

growth and fortune.

Looking forward Mr. Dean’s approach to Ruff Ryders business will continue in the same

traditional operation, embodying family values and family business.

2023 marshals

Anna Glass has been involved in the performing arts as both an artist and arts

administrator for over twenty-five years. She currently serves as the Executive

Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, recently named an “American Cultural

Treasure” by the Ford Foundation and recent recipient of $18.5 million combined

gifts from the Mellon Foundation, Ford Foundation, and MacKenzie Scott and

Dan Jewett – the largest gift amounts in DTH’s history. Together with Artistic

Director Virginia Johnson, Anna co-launched a collaborative initiative

addressing racial inequity in ballet – The Equity Project.

In May 2013, she began

her own endeavor dedicated to preserving and documenting the legacies of

prominent Black artists and cultural institutions, and reinterpreting those legacies

onto multiple platforms, including live performance. She recently produced

Carmen de Lavallade’s newest solo show Carmen de Lavallade: Life of a

Legend for Jazz at Lincoln Center and prior to that As I Remember It– an

intimate portrait of this legendary artist, which toured across the country.

Anna has also served a consultant providing strategic planning and fundraising

guidance to various non-profit arts organizations across the country and has

served as an advisor for the DeVos Institute of Arts Management supporting New

York City non-profits. Anna currently serves on the Board of Directors for the

Association of Performing Arts Professionals and the International African

American Museum in Charleston, SC. Anna received her undergraduate degree

from Oberlin College and her JD from the University of Dayton School of Law.

She is also a licensed attorney in the State of New York. Anna lives in Harlem with

her husband and daughter.

Robert Garland was a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company achieving the rank of principal dancer.  After creating a work for the DTH School Ensemble, Arthur Mitchell invited Robert Garland to create a work for The Dance Theatre of Harlem Company and appointed him the organization’s first Resident Choreographer. Today, Robert leads DTH’s company as Artistic Director.

In addition to choreographing several ballets for DTH, Mr. Garland has also created works for New York City Ballet, Britain's Royal Ballet, Oakland Ballet and many others.  His commercial work has included music videos, commercials and short films, including the children’s television show Sesame Street, a Nike commercial featuring New York Yankee Derek Jeter, the NAACP Image Awards, a short film for designer Donna Karan, and the “Charmin Cha-Cha” for Proctor and Gamble. Mr. Garland holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Juilliard School in New York City.

Rodney Anthony Beckford was born in 1952 in Harlem Hospital to Vivian Bowmen-Beckford and Herbert Beckford. He was baptized at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church and attended the parishes school, graduating in the spring of 1966. Rodney was involved in numerous activities at the church during his teenage years, particularly as president of the parish’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and was elected CYO Manhattan County Program Chairman for the Archdiocese at age 16. This leadership trend continued through subsequent affiliations with different organizations in Harlem, most notably The New York City Mission Society’s (Harlem based) Minisink Townhouse and its historic Camp.

Over the years Rodney has held many positions with community-based nonprofit institutions; among which included; Board of Managers for Minisink Townhouse and Camp, board member of Mind Builders Creative Arts Center inc. in the Bronx, The Daniel Taylor Group inc. and most recently Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement Inc. (HCCI). Rodney‘s professional career encompasses a variety of varied experiences over 45 years. His career started in advertising as a Senior Media Research Analyst, he managed 8 individual units for the McDonald’s Corporation, was Associate Director of Dietary in a 500 bed rehabilitation residence, Executive Chief Steward for the United Nations Catering, the operations director for a USDA food manufacture and the Regional Sales Manager for a national beverage manufacturer now owned by Nestlé’s.

While pursuing his professional career and simultaneously serving the community through organizations and volunteering, Rodney received a bachelors degree from The College New Rochelle and was accepted at Saint Joseph Seminary formation program for the Catholic Diaconate. Rodney was ordained a Permanent Catholic Deacon by Cardinal Edward Egan, Archbishop of New York in 2002 and was assigned to serve the Harlem Vicariate (now Deanery) at St. Charles Borromeo, Resurrection and All Saints Parish, the largest African American Catholic community in the Archdiocese of New York.

Reverend Deacon Beckford married Gail Barbara Daniels-Beckford at St. Charles Borromeo in 1979, one week after St. Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Harlem parish. Gail and Deacon Rodney have two daughters, Danielle Beckford & Adia Beckford-Ravenell, a grand daughter, Enjoli, and a three year old grandson, Ethan Owen Ravenell. Rev. Deacon Beckford at present is the Director of The Lieutenant Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Center in Harlem, for Catholic Charities NY since 2010 and continues to answer his call to be a servant of God and His people in Harlem and the wider community.

Known as “The Young King of Story Telling Rap”, Cashflow Harlem is a famous Rapper from the United States. Having grabbed the attention of many admirers throughout the world, he is hoping to become the next musical sensation. Initially he grabbed attention from releasing the singles “Imagine” and “Shades of Beauty” on iTunes. His songs went viral on soundcloud and youtube. He has been developing his sound by working with producers across America and collaborating with other artists. Being a rapper, he released lots of singles and raps including Want My Love Back, Janay, Wishes and many others.  He rose to fame for his amazing talent and skills. His expertise in the field, strong and bold personality, and easy-going nature make him the role model of many. Bеіng passionate аbоut his work аnd аlwауѕ wanted tо carve а niche fоr himself іn life, wаs the spark thаt ignited him to pursue his dreams and passion. His passion to deliver something new and something better has driven him over the years and is the key to his success & perseverance. He usually shares a glimpse of his lifestyle and passion on his Instagram. He is a man with a proactive approach and has painted the canvas of his dream with the colors of his consistent and persistent efforts.

DJ Drew Carter, a.k.a. Grandmaster Dee was born on June 12th, 1962. He is the turntable artist in hip hop group, Whodini.

Whodini is a hip hop group that was formed in 1981. The Brooklyn, New York-based trio consisted of vocalist and main lyricist Jalil Hutchins; co-vocalist John Fletcher, a.k.a. Ecstasy (who wore a Zorro-style hat as his trademark); and turntable artist DJ Drew Carter, a.k.a. Grandmaster Dee.

Whodini was among the first hip hop groups to cultivate a high-profile national following for hip hop music and made significant inroads on urban radio. They were contemporaries of other hip hop groups such as the Fat Boys, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa and Warp 9. The group was managed by Russell Simmons, brother of Joseph “Run” Simmons of Run-D.M.C. The group signed with London-based independent record label Jive Records in 1982; they enjoyed a string of hits for several years, mostly charting on urban and R&B radio stations. The bulk of production on their releases was done by Larry Smith, a bass player who also handled much of Run-D.M.C.'s early work.

In 1983, the group recorded the self-titled album Whodini, and its first single "Haunted House of Rock" was a Halloween-themed number that even today is still played in some clubs. Synthpop and Electro pioneer Thomas Dolby helped produce another of its singles, "Mr Magic’s Wand", which was originally conceived as an advertisement for prominent radio jock Mr. Magic, who worked for New York’s WBLS radio. "Magic's Wand" also has the distinction of being one of Whodini's most-sampled songs.

He is an actor, Director, Voice-over Artist, Mentor, Youth Group Sponsor, Producer and Lecturer. To tourists, Apollo Theater patrons, entertainers, celebrities and friends in the Harlem community, Billy Mitchell is Mr. Apollo. Spirited and charming, Mr. Mitchell knows the Apollo like the back of his hand. He is the longest tenured employee of the historic Apollo Theater. Billy started running errands at the Apollo in 1965 at the age of 15 years old. Back then, Billy would run errands for the Motown Artists, BB King Band, Moms Mabley, Flip Wilson, James Brown and even Marvin Gaye. He also saw the Jackson 5 when they first won Amateur Night at the Apollo.  Billy was born in Mt. Vernon, NY and raised in the Bronx. He is 1 of 14 children and spent time in foster care as a child. He later became a foster parent to give back. Billy’s mother who was born in the original Harlem Hospital in 1923.   Billy has worked in almost every department at the Apollo since 1984. He is presently the Apollo’s Director of Tours, In House Historian and Apollo Ambassador. He has educated thousands of visitors to the Apollo about its rich history and culture. He is known all over the world as MR APOLLO. He sponsors and mentors 5 youth groups. PLAYING ON THE EDGE BASKETBALL PROGRAM (Harlem), MT. VERNON BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB (Mt. Vernon), BIG APPLE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (Brooklyn), CREATIVE ART WORKS (NYC) FAMILIES UNITED FOR SOLUTIONS (Bronx). Billy is also a recipient of the HARLEM HONORS 2023 AWARD. 

2023 HONORARY GUEST Spotlight