August Wilson Society

August Wilson Society founder, Dr. Sandra Shannon, will join Georgia State University's Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) on Wednesday, February 18, for an interview with noted journalist Suzanne Malveaux about my role in founding the August Wilson Society and my scholarship on August Wilson. Board member, Dr. Isaiah Wooden joins as well! Watch live at https://t.gsu.edu/4hQw170u

TONIGHT: Critical Analysis: Fences, taught by Gerrad Alex Taylor from 6:30-7:45pm on ZOOM.



Dig into the text with experts and other critical thinkers! The perfect way to develop your critical eye, capture the nuance of classic masterworks, and connect with other lovers of drama and literature. This class will analyze and discuss Fences. Tuition includes a free ticket to see Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s mainstage production of August Wilson's Fences directed by Reginald L. Douglas, running February 6-March

If you’re looking for something meaningful to listen to this weekend, we’d love to share this conversation with you!

Dr. Sandra G. Shannon joined Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters for a beautiful and insightful episode about August Wilson, his American Century Cycle, his legacy, and the way he preserved Black life, memory, joy, and struggle on the stage.

August Wilson didn’t just write plays.
He wrote us into history.

🎧 Episode 78 — “You Get History”
Listen on Apple, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio & YouTube

A Celebration of Life: Michael D. Dinwiddie

We gather next Sunday to honor the extraordinary life, artistry, and legacy of Professor Michael D. Dinwiddie, a beloved Professor, playwright, mentor, and former President of the August Wilson Society.

Please join the NYU Gallatin community for an evening of remembrance, and reflection as we celebrate the light, laughter, talent, and love he shared with us all.

Sunday, October 26 at 8:00 PM
Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
566 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012

Help us spread the word by sharing this post so that all who knew and loved him, from the Gallatin community to the extended August Wilson family, can join us in celebration: In-Person or Virtually

💜 RSVP: https://nyu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yG0JngoBJF881U

SAVE THE DATE!

Major news in Wilson studies:

Our new President Dr. Khalid Y. Long and Board Member Dr. Isaiah Wooden have co-edited August Wilson in Context, a groundbreaking new volume from Cambridge University Press, bringing Wilson’s world into fresh focus through new voices and perspectives.
The August Wilson Society is proud to celebrate this milestone in scholarship and leadership with a dynamic conversation featuring:
Dr. Sandra G. Shannon
Dr. Donald P. Gagnon (Western Connecticut State University)
Moderated by Danielle A. Drakes
📅 Monday, October 27, 2025 | 7 PM – 9 PM
📍 Busboys and Poets-Takoma
235 Carroll St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/4oe2r0n
Join us at Busboys and Poets-Takoma as we honor the brilliance and vision of these leading Wilson scholars and celebrate the vibrant future of Black theatre and performance studies.

Honoring the legacy of August Wilson on the 20th anniversary of his passing. His words continue to echo, telling the stories of our history, our struggles, and our triumphs.

The August Wilson Society proudly announces Dr. Khalid Y. Long, PhD as our new President.

Dr. Long is a scholar, dramaturg, and director who currently serves as Interim Chair and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Associate Dean of Research and Creative Endeavors at University. His scholarship bridges classrooms, communities, and the stage.

In his own words:

“I look forward to working with the board. Each member contributes valuable insights and ideas. Together, we will stay committed to preserving and celebrating Wilson’s literary legacy and his significant influence on arts and culture.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Long and celebrating this new chapter for the Society.

Learn more: https://mailchi.mp/e302493b0841/aws-welcomes-dr-khalid-y-long-as-president

Read the full article via the link in our bio.
✍️:

Dear Members of the August Wilson Society,

Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the sudden passing of our beloved President, Michael D. Dinwiddie. To quote Dr. Sandra G. Shannon, Founder and President Emeritus of the August Wilson Society, “the August Wilson Society lost a brilliant, passionate, visionary leader who kept its hard-working Board in line (and often in stitches) with his characteristic quick wit and humor.”

Throughout a career spanning decades, President Dinwiddie was a dramatist and composer whose works have been produced in New York, regional, and educational theaters. He has served as playwright-in-residence at Michigan State University, Saint Louis University, and Florida A&M University. He has taught screenwriting courses at SUNY Stony Brook, California State University, San Bernardino, and the Universidad de Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, among other institutions. An Inaugural Fellow at Touchstone Pictures in the Walt Disney Writers Program, Michael worked as a staff writer on ABC-Lorimar TV’s hit series Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. His honors include the Torchbearer’s Award (AUDELCO), the Frederica L. Teer Spirit Award as “a visionary and catalyst for institution building” from the National Black Theatre, honorary lifetime membership in the Black Theatre Network, and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Playwriting.

What is listed above is only a small part of his contributions to the performing arts and academia. President Dinwiddie was an outstanding leader, a supporter of the arts, and an exceptional friend to everyone he met.

While our hearts are saddened by his passing, they are forever warmed by the life he led. As we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, especially his husband, Vincent, and to everyone who loved him, please join us in celebrating his remarkable influence on the August Wilson Society.

📸: Lia Chang