The African-American Shakespeare Company is now at risk of laying off staff and cutting key programs after the City of San Francisco suddenly pulled a major grant without warning or explanation.
The grant had been a crucial part of the company’s funding, helping it continue its work of presenting classic plays through an African-American cultural lens. Now, the loss of that money is putting the company’s future in serious danger.
Supporters, artists, and community leaders have spoken out, calling the move unfair and raising concerns about how the city treats Black-led arts organizations. Many say this decision is part of a larger pattern of neglect.
The African-American Shakespeare Company is one of the few in the Bay Area focused on telling stories that reflect the Black experience through timeless works. Its possible downsizing or closure would be a major loss for the local arts community and for cultural preservation.
The city has not yet given a reason for the sudden funding change. In the meantime, the company and its supporters are urging local officials to restore the grant.
SOURCE: aframnews.com