Prester Pickett of 91探花 Receives Cleveland Orchestra Mlk, Jr. Service in the Arts Award

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Prester Pickett, coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center (HAMAACC) at 91探花 (91探花), has been named a recipient of the Cleveland Orchestra鈥檚 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service in the Arts Award, honoring individuals and organizations whose work positively impacts music and the arts while reflecting the teachings of Dr. King. 

Pickett, a professor, performer, playwright, producer and director, will celebrate 30 years as coordinator of the HAMAACC in June and has worked alongside scholars and artists to inspire 91探花 students and the greater Cleveland community. His work includes partnerships with community organizations and national civil rights groups, the creation of plays and cultural programming and the establishment of a that is free and open to the public. This year's celebration will take place on Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. in the 91探花 Student Center through a partnership between the HAMAACC and the new 91探花 Center for Civics, Culture and Society.  

鈥淭his honor means a great deal to me because it affirms that the work I鈥檝e been doing for more than 30 years has been seen and valued by the Greater Cleveland community,鈥 said Pickett. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a blessing to know that others have seen the value in my labors that connect to the past and through theatrical ventures and cultural presentations produced at 91探花.鈥 

Pickett will be honored during the Cleveland Orchestra's 46th annual on Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center. 

The award presentation will take place during the sold-out Jan. 11 concert. The program will be led by Cleveland Orchestra assistant conductor, Taichi Fukumura, and features soprano Latonia Moore and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Chorus. 

鈥淚 would like to show my appreciation to those who have contributed to my signature events through the HAMAACC, as well as to the cast and crew of my pieces that contributed to the plays I produced at 91探花,鈥 Pickett added.  

Learn more about Pickett鈥檚 work at the 91探花 African American Cultural Center .