Black Women on Broadway Expands Its Mission to Empower Black Storytellers
Black Women on Broadway (BWOB) is expanding its mission to uplift and inspire with two new programs that celebrate the voices of Black women in theatre. The organization is launching the Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition and the BWOB Reading Series, both designed to give young and emerging talents a platform to shine.
BWOB, co-founded by Academy Award–nominated actress Danielle Brooks, continues to amplify the stories and creativity of Black women in the performing arts. These new initiatives aim to build a bridge between legacy and innovation, empowering participants to embrace storytelling as a tool of self-expression and cultural preservation.
Both programs highlight BWOB’s deep commitment to community and mentorship. From classrooms to major stages, the organization reminds young artists that their voices matter and that their stories have a rightful place in the spotlight.
Danielle Brooks Returns to Her Roots in South Carolina
Danielle Brooks is taking her passion for storytelling back home to South Carolina, where her journey in the arts began. Partnering with her alma mater, The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Brooks is launching the Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition—a new annual event honoring the legacy of playwright August Wilson.
The competition challenges high school students to perform a one-to-two-minute monologue from a classic or contemporary playwright of color. This encourages them to carry forward Wilson’s vision while embracing new creative voices. Brooks describes the project as both a tribute and a call to action.
“The stories of Black playwrights have shaped theatre in profound ways,” Brooks said. “I want South Carolina students to feel that legacy, to see themselves in it, and to keep the cycle going.”
Students can submit their monologues by January 3, 2026, at cccmonologuecompetition.com. Finalists will be announced on February 3, and the live performances will take place on February 28, 2026, at the Governor’s School. Brooks will host the event alongside a panel of distinguished judges, with cash prizes awarded to the top three winners.
The BWOB Reading Series Creates Space for Black Women Playwrights
The BWOB Reading Series offers another important opportunity for rising artists—this time focusing on playwrights. The program is open now for submissions, inviting Black women playwrights to share their works and ideas through live readings and mentorship opportunities.
By creating this space, BWOB ensures that the voices of Black women are heard not only on stage but also in the creative process behind it. The Reading Series continues BWOB’s tradition of using theatre as a tool for empowerment and visibility.
Interested writers can apply at blackwomenonbroadway.org/events, joining a growing network of women who are reshaping the future of theatre. Together, the Monologue Competition and the Reading Series create a full-circle vision of storytelling—one that nurtures emerging talent while honoring the past.
Building Legacy and Opportunity for Future Generations
Both initiatives reflect BWOB’s larger purpose: to honor the women who built the foundation of Black theatre while opening doors for the next generation. The organization’s work affirms that every young artist, regardless of background, has a story worth telling.
From South Carolina classrooms to Broadway stages, Danielle Brooks and Black Women on Broadway are cultivating a legacy of representation, excellence, and belonging. As Brooks reminds students and artists alike, the story of Black theatre is far from over—it is still being written, one voice at a time.
