Parade Procession and Block Party July 19th in Yonkers to Celebrate YTI Co-Founder
The City of Yonkers and The Paul Kwame Johnson Estate invite the community to join a grand celebration honoring the life, artistry, and legacy of Paul Kwame Johnson, Co-Founder and Founding Artistic Director of Youth Theatre Interactions (YTI), on Saturday, July 19th. This commemorative event will highlight his transformative contributions to the performing arts and his unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and the City of Yonkers.
The celebration begins with a parade procession at 10:30 a.m., retracing the path of YTI’s storied history. Starting at the organization’s first ever location where on December 20th, 1973 James P. Hill, Turhan Von Brandon and Paul Kwame Johnson incorporated Youth Theatre Interactions and YTI was born opening it’s doors at School 12 on 164 Ashburton Avenue in the city of Yonkers as a part of the Community Action Program.
The procession will then pass School 6, YTI’s first permanent location at 33 Ashburton Avenue, continue onto YTI’s new permanent location at 68 Warburton Avenue, and on over to YTI’s last and previous home of many years at 92 Main Street. The parade will culminate downtown at the Yonkers Waterfront, located at 71 Water Grant Street, where a vibrant block party will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A Legacy of Masterful Artistry and Dedication
Paul Kwame Johnson was more than a visionary founder—a Sarah Lawrence College graduate ( BA ‘74, MFA ‘77), he was a master theater teacher, a revered mentor, and a celebrated mime artist. His creative genius extended to the founding of Intimate Realities Teen Touring Drama Company with his former wife Patricia DeArcy, The Little Blue Room Theatre Company and The Mime Time Players, a groundbreaking ensemble known for their innovative performances, which highlighted the power of silent expression and creative storytelling.
In tribute to Johnson’s legacy, the block party will feature mime face painting, allowing attendees to embrace the art form he so passionately championed. Music, a dance floor, and special guest presentors will round out the event, creating a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.
Celebrating Over 50 Years of YTI
This summer’s celebration also marks the kickoff of YTI’s new location and its upcoming fall registration for September, continuing in the founders mission of empowering youth through the performing arts. Now over 50 years old, YTI remains a cornerstone of the Yonkers community, inspiring new generations of young artists with the same energy and dedication that Paul Kwame Johnson instilled from the very beginning.
Honoring a Visionary Leader
For over five decades, Johnson’s work as a community leader, educator and artist throughout Westchester County, left an indelible mark on the cultural and personal lives of countless individuals. As a mentor, he cultivated confidence and creativity in his students, offering them not just skills but a world stage upon which to shine. As a storyteller, he reminded the world of the transformative power of art to connect, heal, inspire and change one’s world view.
Join the Celebration
This event is more than a tribute; it’s a call for the Yonkers community to come together in celebration of a life lived with purpose and passion. Whether marching in the procession, enjoying the block party, or reminiscing on Johnson’s contributions, attendees will share in a day filled with joy, remembrance, and artistic spirit.
Saturday, July 19th is a day to honor, celebrate, and continue the legacy of Paul Kwame Johnson.
Let’s celebrate a life dedicated to the arts, mentorship, and the youth of the future. Together, we can continue to carry forward the legacy of Paul Kwame Johnson because as we all know, the show must go on!
