alvin ailey, who is an icon _ in one piece. alvin ailey, who is an icon of _ in one piece.on of american dance i is an icon of american dance and i thought it was interesting he said he was uncomfortable with the level black choreographer and he said "i feel an obligation to use black to answers because there must be more opportunities for them but not because i'm a black choreographer talking to black choreographer talking to black people." what does that mean to you?— mean to you? the practice is called the — mean to you? the practice is called the alvin _ mean to you? the practice is called the alvin ailey - mean to you? the practice is called the alvin ailey dance i called the alvin ailey dance american theatre, design american theatre, design american stories and people and the fact that we can this as well. it's not about in black american but being american. all the stories he's telling are the human condition, to say it's a black story or he is a black choreographer he felt was limiting. there are multitudes of stories he told and i think that bertens well for the f

alvin ailey, we know he's an icon of american dance.e label black choreographer and he said, quote, "i feel an obligation to use black dancers because there must be more opportunities for them. but not because i'm a black choreographer talking to black people." what do you think of that? what does that mean to you? the fact that this is called the alvin ailey american dance theater says it all. these are american stories. these are american people. and the fact that we get to own this as well, it's not about being black american, but being american. all the stories that he's telling her, the human condition, and to say that it's a black story or he's a black choreographer, he felt was limiting. there are multitudes of stories to be told, and i think that portends well for the future. right? there's no limit to the stories that still need to be brought to the stage. and as we progress as a society, we're having new stories. we're having new music to dance to. we're using all different kinds of movement because our mission has never stray

wasn't always accessible what are some of your favorite memories with from ailey >> working with alvin aileye best. out of 30 dancers, he had a way of making everybody feel special. >> reporter: 40 years ago, ailey hand selected her. she's the director of ailey camp, the last project he started before his passing it's the same program that introduced solomon to dance. >> i was completely blown away seeing people who look like me doing these amazing things and they were all beautiful and educated, and they traveled the world, and i said i want to do exactly that >> for some of these young people, they can't see past this environment, this home life and their situation and what they don't have, it gives them a vision of what is possible ♪ ♪ >> reporter: matthew is the associate artistic director and former dancer at ailey. >> we talk about how the art form gives one value, self-awareness it gives you skills to function in every day life. and it gives the sense of freedom. it gives a sense of expression that maybe words can't tap into. ♪ i'll tell you the reason why ♪ >> reporter: as you're cel

the alvin ailey dance company celebrates african american culture on stage. i'm sumi somaskanda.

first thing in the morning, where we get to learn more about josephine baker , melvin simmons, alvin ailey, and this morning, kehinde wiley, among others. there's also an offering of joint in person and virtual talks throughout the month featuring special guests. the first, held last week with civil rights leader the reverend arnold townsend among the upcoming guests are jazz musician sam peeples, junior artist and curator karen seneferu, and actor danny glover. black history month is just one of our many heritage month initiatives organized by public works staff that lifts us up individually and collectively and in advance, a broader understanding of our diverse communities. this coming friday, we will be celebrating the grand opening of the new golden gate park golf course clubhouse. this 1800 and 50 square foot single story structure replaces the old clubhouse that was badly damaged in a fire five years ago. i don't think many people outside of the city's golfing community even know about this public course. it's tucked, tucked amongst aged cypress trees on the west side of the park, ju