A memorial service was held for Garland Lee Thompson Sr. at St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem Saturday, Feb. 14. Garland passed away Nov. 18, 2014, in New York City. He was the executive director of the Frank Silvera Writers’ Workshop, which was founded in 1973 with famed actor Morgan Freeman, director and actress Billie Allen-Henderson and the late journalist Clayton Riley. It was formed to be a living memorial to the life and work of his mentor, the late actor, director teacher and producer Frank Silvera, as an avenue for playwrights of color to develop their work.
The Writers’ Workshop has been based in the heart of Harlem for the past 42 years and has built a prestigious reputation as a nationally and internationally renowned playwrights’ development theater with programs for upcoming and established playwrights, directors, actors and creative team members from all over the world.
Later that afternoon, a presentation and reception was held at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. Garland Thompson Jr. and Sean C. Turner hosted an afternoon of performances, readings, poetry, reflections and a birthday celebration for our beloved Garland Lee Thompson Sr.