Chuck Davis, Doctor of Fine Arts
When Chuck Davis comes to town, people hang onto their hats ... because things are about to be shaken up. It starts with your signature bear hug — part greeting and part chiropractic realignment. With either your African American Dance Ensemble or DanceAfrica festival you then, through a "fusion of grand opera, African dance, ballet and new ... music, transform an audience of strangers into relatives at a joyous family reunion." There's a whole lot more than dance going on as you employ "the traditions and techniques of African dance and music to teach creative community building, virtuous citizenship, and solidarity cultivation." What you manage to leave behind is a bone-deep sense of joy arising from a shared sense of human dignity and connectedness. As master teacher, choreographer, and impresario, you have, through your "abundant charm and good cheer," become the premier developer and promoter of African and African American Dance and the lead interpreter of its ancient and sacred roots, its ability to transport, and its power to realign individuals and communities into healthier, more vital wholes.
I hereby declare you recipient of the honorary degree Doctor of Fine Arts, entitled to all the rights, honors, and privileges appertaining thereto.
June 4, 2006