The African American Film Critics Association honored Black excellence on the Broadway stage during its 4th Annual AAFCA Goes to Broadway awards celebration, held Monday, October 20th in New York City. The event honored actresses Kara Young and Kecia Lewis, public relations and marketing mastermind Linda Stewart and groundbreaking producer, Brian Moreland.
Created to bridge the gap between film, television, and the stage, the AAFCA Goes to Broadway event unites Theater professionals below and behind the stage, entertainment journalists and critics in celebrating the achievements of Black creatives on Broadway. The event, held at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, complements the AAFCA’s existing collection of awards programs – AAFCA Awards, AAFCA TV Honors, and AAFCA Special Achievement Awards, all of which honor excellence in creative spaces.
The 2024-2025 Broadway season not only became the highest-grossing in history but also reminded the world of the enduring power of live theatre. The triumphant return of heavyweights like Audra McDonald and Denzel Washington to the Broadway stage further highlighted a banner year.
About this year’s nominees, AAFCA President and Co-founder, Gil Robertson IV, said: “Each of this year’s honorees represents a different but vital force on Broadway. From Kara Young’s powerful performances to Brian Moreland’s groundbreaking productions, Kecia Lewis’ inspiring artistry, and Linda Stewart’s strategic brilliance behind the scenes, their collective influence ensures that Broadway continues to thrive as a home for diverse voices and storytelling. Our honorees represent the creative dedication, and trailblazing spirit that continue to define Broadway’s impact across generations.”
Honorees
Linda Stewart
Linda Stewart is a trailblazer in public relations, marketing, and grassroots outreach whose career has helped shape the visibility and success of some of Broadway’s most celebrated productions. With nearly three decades of experience, Stewart has become one of the industry’s most trusted voices in connecting diverse audiences to live theatre.
Stewart was a key executive at Bond Theatrical, one of the nation’s leading tour marketing and publicity firms, where she has led the brand strategy, marketing, and publicity campaigns for high-profile Broadway tours. Among the productions she has wrecked with are “TINA – The Tina Turner Musical,” “The Wiz,” and “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.” She also spearheaded the national tour of”Hell’s Kitchen.” She also lead publicity efforts for Tony-nominated playwright Dominique Morisseau and managing campaigns for the Tony Award-winning revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Topdog/Underdog
Kara Young
Actress Kara Young is celebrated for her transformative performances on stage and her groundbreaking achievements in theatre, earning her two Tony Awards, two Drama Desk Awards, an Outer Critics Circle Award, and an Obie Award.
Young made her Broadway debut in 2021 in Lynn Nottage’s “Clyde’s,” earning her first Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She is also known for her 2023 moving portrayal of a caregiver in Martyna Majok’s “Cost of Living,” as well as the role of Lutiebell Gussie Mae Jenkins in the revival of Ossie Davis’ “Purlie Victorious,” for which she won her first Tony Award in 2024. In 2025, Young made history by winning her second consecutive Tony Award for her role as a pregnant lesbian in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s “Purpose,” becoming the first African-American actress to win back-to-back Tonys.
Young’s career began with her stage debut in “Pretty Hunger” at the Public Theater. The following year, she joined the LAByrinth Theater Company’s “Syncing Ink,” “Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven,” “The New Englanders,” and “All the Natalie Portmans.”
Kecia Lewis
Acclaimed actress and singer Kecia Lewis’ career has spanned nearly four decades across theater, television, and film. A powerhouse performer with a soulful voice, Lewis’ career is highlighted by her 2024 Tony Award win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in “Hell’s Kitchen.” This performance also earned her the Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award and a Drama League nomination.
Born and raised in New York City, Lewis graduated from the prestigious High School of Performing Arts and made her Broadway debut in 1985 as a replacement in “Big River.” Lewis’ breakthrough role came in 1990 when she originated the character of Asaka in “Once on This Island.” She went on to appear in productions such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Leap of Faith,” “The Drowsy Chaperone” and the revival of “Children of a Lesser God.” She earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for her role in “Dessa Rose” and an Obie Award for her appearance as gospel legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe in “Marie and Rosetta.”
Brian Anthony Moreland
Brian Anthony Moreland is a trailblazing creative producer whose name has become synonymous with cultural impact in theatre, film, and television. Moreland has earned four Tony Award nominations, a place among Variety’s “Top 10 on Broadway to Watch” and EBONY’s prestigious Power 100 List. His productions reflect a deep belief in theatre’s ability to enlighten, inspire, and unite audiences across generations and cultures.
Moreland’s revival of “Othello,” starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon broke Broadway records. Moreland’s work includes some of the most culturally resonant productions in modern theatre such as “The Wiz;” “August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson,” directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson and starring Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks, and John David Washington; and “The Lifespan of a Fact.”
He is a member of the Board of Governors of The Broadway League, where he Co-Chair’s the Multicultural Task Force and also holds leadership roles on the Boards of NYC Tourism + Conventions, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Past honorees at AAFCA Goes to Broadway include LaTanya Richardson for “The Piano Lesson,” Wendell Pierce for “Death of a Salesman,” the producers of “TopDog/Underdog,” director Kenny Leon, actress/producer LaChanze, choreographer Camille Brown, and playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, among others.On hand as a presenter at the event were director LaTanya Richardson and editorial director and documentary filmmaker Isoul Harris. Sponsors included Finn. Partners and Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment Wealth.
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