Episode 19

William Pinkett

Uploaded: Monday, August 10, 2020

The final episode of our cultural icons series highlights the life of William Ward Pinkett. The stage at King Lincoln Park is named after this beloved civic leader of the east end of Newport News. Learn more about his life here.

Episode 18

Addison Gayle

Released: Monday, August 3, 2020

The legendary writer Addison Gayle was born in Newport News. Learn more about the legacy of this thought leader and educator who left his mark on American history and culture in the form of literature.

Episode 17

Joyce Bulifant

Released: Monday, July 27, 2020

Bulifant has been performing in theater, television, and film since 1959 with countless credits to date. Learn more about this talented actress from Newport News.

Episode 16

The Poindexter Brothers

Released: Monday, July 20, 2020

Without the Poindexter Brothers, we would not have experienced the resurgence of the 1970s vocal group. Learn more about this producing and songwriting duo from Newport News.

Episode 15

Robert Cray

Released: Monday, July 13, 2020

Robert Cray is an American blues guitarist and singer, Grammy-award winner, and legendary inductee of the Blues Hall of Fame. Learn a bit about the legendary career of this Newport Newsian.

Episode 14

William Styron

Released: Monday, July 6, 2020

Prolific novelist and essayist William Styron is honored daily with Styron Square in Port Warwick. Learn more about his award-winning works.

Episode 13

Norvleate Downing-Gross

Released: Monday, June 29, 2020

This community-oriented woman is one we are proud to share our name with. Learn more about her career and legacy in this episode of Cultural Icons.

Episode 12

Lutrelle Horne

Released: Monday, June 22, 2020

Lutrelle “Pete” Horne was an Emmy-award winning executive in children's television programming, best known for his work on Captain Kangaroo and Sesame Street.

Episode 11

L. Marian Poe

Released: Monday, June 15, 2020

L. Marian Poe was the first Black woman to pass the bar in the state of Virginia. We're proud to house the L. Marian Poe Meeting Room in our facility.

Episode 10

Thaddeus Hayes

Released: Monday, June 8, 2020

Thaddeus Hayes was a legendary dancer who hails from Hampton Roads. He dedicated his life to the art form and is remembered for his commitment and enthusiasm. We are proud to honor his legacy with our dance studio.

Episode 9

Frankie Faison

Released: Monday, June 1, 2020

Frankie Faison is a talented actor from Newport News. His acting credits have spanned over forty years in Broadway, film, and television and his career is still going strong.

Episode 8

The Five Keys

Released: Monday, May 18, 2020

This iconic group went from practicing in small churches and around Jefferson Avenue and 25th Street in Newport News to being inducted in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Learn more about this talented group with a classic 1950s doo-wop style.

Episode 7

David Williams

Released: Monday, May 11, 2020

This highly sought-after guitarist rose to stardom after being recruited by Quincy Jones to be featured on Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album. This talented Newport News native has worked with some of the most well-known figures in music history.

Episode 6

Charles Allen

Released: Monday, May 4, 2020

We are so grateful for this change agent who dedicated his life to revitalizing our city. Without Charles Allen, there would be no Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. He was a true champion of change and we are proud to honor his legacy.

Episode 5

Queen Esther Marrow

Released: Monday, April 27, 2020

Hailing from Newport News, Queen Esther Marrow has made her mark on music and Broadway history. She has most recently been featured at An Evening With Queen Esther Marrow in November of 2019.

Episode 4

The Unifics

Released: Monday, April 20, 2020

This soulful group with origins in Newport News has been performing for decades. Their showmanship and songwriting prowess is unmatched. We are proud to have held a variety of concerts featuring their incredible talents, including our 11th Anniversary Concert with Jean Carne.

Episode 3

Anderson Johnson

Released: Monday, April 13, 2020

Our series continues by highlighting this incredible folk artist who created a lasting legacy just a few miles down the road from our building. Elder Anderson Johnson was a painter, a gospel artist, and the heart and soul of the Faith Mission. We are proud to be the home to his permanent exhibit, held within the Anderson Johnson Gallery.

Episode 2

Pearl Bailey

Released: Monday, April 6, 2020

The second episode in this series focuses on the incredible Pearl Bailey. This legendary performing artist, activist, and author is honored daily our neighboring facility - The Pearl Bailey Public Library. Learn more about Pearl here.

Episode 1

Ella Fitzgerald

Released: Monday, March 30, 2020

Welcome to our Cultural Icons series. These videos celebrate the rich history of Newport News by honoring the incredible people who have come from our community. Up first is the first lady of song, Ella Fitzgerald. We are proud to be the home of the Ella Fitzgerald Theater and celebrate this American icon of music with concerts, performances, productions, and more. We love you Ella!