Actors’ Equity Association has announced that Jamal Joseph is the recipient of the 2017 Paul Robeson Citation Award.

As executive artistic director and co-founder of Impact Repertory Theatre in New York City, Joseph has exhibited the humanitarian principles heralded by Robeson. The award was first established in 1971, when it was presented to Robeson. Since then, such luminaries as Maya Angelou, Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, James Earl Jones, Athol Fugard, Lena Horne, Joseph Papp, Sidney Poitier, Pete Seegar, Baayork Lee, and Mary-Mitchell Campbell have received the award. The Citation Award honors individuals or organizations that exemplify “commitment to the freedom of expression and conscience, belief in the Artist’s responsibility to society and respect for the individual, and dedication and concern for service to all humankind.” Impact is known for its excellence as a youth performance company.

In addition to his position at Impact, Joseph is a professor at Columbia University’s Graduate Film Program; his films have been featured on Fox, A&E, Starz, and at The Urbanworld Film Festival.

AEA Councilor Christine Toy Johnson nominated Joseph for the award. “His tireless work over the past 20 years in mentoring teenagers to become youth activists through the arts demonstrates his belief in the Artist’s responsibility to society and respect for the individual,” she said in a statement. Joseph is being celebrated for his work through mentorship, artistic creation, and personal philosophy of service.

Joseph will be presented with the award at the union’s Eastern Regional Board Meeting September 25.

For more information about Impact Repertory Theatre, click here.

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