The Board and staff of Carolina Performing Arts (CPA) mourn the passing of poet-artist Sekou Sundiata.  Carolina Performing Arts had the privilege of serving as a co-commissioner of Sekou's most recent work, 51st (dream) state, performed at Memorial Hall in January, 2007. Future plans had included a new collaboration with Sekou related to CPA's Death Penalty Project.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sekou's family and friends, especially to his wife, Maurine Knighton.

Emil Kang (left) and Singaporean theater director Ong Keng Sen (center), with Sekou Sundiata at the cast party following the performance of 51st (dream) State at Memorial Hall in January 2007.

Below is a letter from a member of UNC faculty after seeing Sekou's work.