Mayor Brandon Johnson Proclaims July 29 Joan Gray African Cultural Day
Alderman Desmon Yancy, Congressman Bobby L. Rush and the Historical Preservation Society Led Effort to Honor Muntu Dance Theatre’s 30-year President and Executive Director Joan Gray
Chicago, IL (July 29, 2024)–Mayor Brandon Johnson proclaimed July 29 as Joan Gray African Cultural Day in honor of Muntu Dance Theatre’s 30-year president and executive director Joan Gray. Joan passed away on March 2 at the age of 74.
The proclamation came after the Chicago City Council passed a resolution in her honor on July 17, presented by 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy. Congressman Bobby L. Rush and the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party worked with Alderman Yancy to ensure that the City of Chicago recognized Joan for her contributions. Joan Gray is also featured on a mural covering the west side of the Chicago Cultural Center.
View Mayor Johnson's Proclamation
View City Council Resolution
Muntu Dance Theatre is in the 5th Ward, and Alderman Yancy invited Joan Gray’s daughter Turiya Gray, Rush and the Historical Preservation Society to the July 17 City Council meeting. “It is my privilege to honor our cultural giant, Joan Gray. She enriched our city by spreading her love of African culture, dedicating her life to dance, and passing the torch to those following in her footsteps,” said Yancy.
July 17, 2024, City Council Meeting - (l-r) Historical Preservation Society Members and Black Panthers Lonnie Hall, Wanda Ross, Joan Gray’s daughter Turiya Gray and 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy. Photo: Leila Wills (Congressman Rush was present, not pictured)
Before joining Muntu in 1987, Joan was a Field Lieutenant of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. Rush founded the chapter with Bob Brown and served as Deputy Minister of Defense. “Joan’s hard work and passion for dance transformed Muntu Dance Theatre from a small dance troupe to a world-renowned dance company. Her dedication to serving the people was part of her work in the Black Panther Party and continued in Muntu. We thank Mayor Johnson and the Chicago City Council for this tribute to one of Chicago’s outstanding citizens.”
Turiya Gray, Joan’s daughter, said, “To have my mother’s work and impact recognized in this way is an esteemed honor. My sincere gratitude to Mayor Johnson, the City of Chicago, Alderman Yancy, Congressman Rush and the Historical Preservation Society for helping to keep her legacy alive.”
