The History of APPA
APPA is a charitable organization founded by Bernice Hammond October 6, 1964, on the eve of the Civil Rights Act going into effect.
In 2010, APPA, celebrates its 46th anniversary in pursuit of “The Unity of Mankind Through the Arts”, it’s original purpose. Hammond continues to preside over APPA headquartered at 2011 Benning Road NE, Kingman Park (Ward 7). There she also continues as a part-time instructor and the artistic director of the now 70-year–old Northeast Academy of Dance (NEAD). Through APPA, she surrounded her students and protégées with Black luminaries (now deceased), e.g. Dr. Lois Mailou-Jones Pierre-Noel (internationally acclaimed painter and Howard University professor), Dr. William Grant Still (world renowned as the “Dean of African-American Music”, who served as the Honorary Chairman of APPA’s Board), and Dr. Marjorie Parker (DC City Councilwoman, UDC Board of Trustees Chair, DC Women’s Hall of Fame inductee and an APPA Founding Board Member).
