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Born
His mother, Lula Elizabeth Ailey, was only 17 when she gave birth to Alvin. His father, also Alvin, abandoned his family after 6 months. -
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Horton Dance Company
Alvin joined the company at the age of 22 and debuted in Revue Le Bal Caribe. After the tragic death of Lester Horton in 1953, Alvin took the artistic director position. -
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Broadway Debut
Alvin and his friend Carmen De Lavallade danced in the show House of Flowers by Truman Capote. -
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
He created his own group, and they presented their inaugural concert on March 30, 1958. -
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Alvin Ailey Dance Company - Overseas
The US State Department funded this tour, but there is suspicion as to why they did. -
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The River
He was asked to create this piece for the American Ballet Theatre. The music was by Duke Ellington. -
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Cry
This is one of Alvin's greatest successes. He dedicated it to his mother and black women everywhere. -
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Spingard Medal
The NAACP awarded him this honor for his outstanding achievement as an African American. -
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Kennedy Center Honors
This honor was awarded to him for his work in the performing arts. -
Died
His death was caused by HIV/AIDS, but he had his doctor lie to spare his mother. -
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Legacy Walk
He was inducted into this outdoor display that celebrates LGBT history. -
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Presidential Medal of Freedom
Barack Obama presented this award to him for having a large impact on National interests of the United States. This is the highest civilian award in the United States.