Don’t just witness the magic—become part of it.

The National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) proudly presents the 56th season of Langston Hughes’ classic gospel song cycle, Black Nativity. A holiday tradition throughout the United States and the world, Black Nativity welcomes all people, far and wide, into our circle of light. This is the Nativity story told through the lens of the African American experience, but its message belongs to everyone who has ever needed hope, ever sought home, ever dreamed of a world that lifts us all toward a greater appreciation of our shared humanity.

Each year, NCAAA offers Black Nativity to Boston — the longest-running production of the musical in the world — as a gift to people of “good will” from all spiritual traditions and cultural backgrounds, through gospel music, dance, African drumming, spoken word, and theater. Under the artistic direction of Desiree A. Springer, Boston’s Black Nativity retains the artistic legacy of NCAAA’s Founder Elma Lewis; Director of Drama Vernon Blackman; Choreographer George Howard; and legendary Nigerian master percussionist Michael Babatunde Olatunji. The show’s music is set to the arrangements and adaptations of NCAAA Founding Music Director John Andrew Ross.

Black Nativity tells the story of the birth of the Christ Child from the point of view of Black Americans in the early twentieth century. Amid the hilly streets of Bethlehem, a hotel with butlers and maids is set and filled with gospel music and gossipy chatter. In it the Holy Family find themselves surrounded by ordinary folk who welcome their message and sing it with joy. Though based on the story of the birth of the Christ Child, as told in the New Testament gospels, Black Nativity is a testament to the joy of new birth and to the hope that fills people of “good will” from all traditions. Ours is a message of transformation and spiritual uplift.

Our 56th Anniversary Season features:

75+ Voices Rising as One – Children and adults unite in glorious gospel harmonies that will move your spirit and stir your soul.
The Pulse of African Drums – Experience the dramatic pas de deux birth scene that happens live before your eyes, propelled by the ancient rhythms that connect us all.
A Living Legacy – Witness the continuation of artistic mastery passed down through generations, from Elma Lewis to today’s visionary artists.
Fresh Energy, Timeless Message – Gospel, jazz, and even hints of Hip-Hop breathe new life into this eternal story of hope.

“Black Nativity is Boston’s Black community’s holiday card to the world” – a gift of transformation and spiritual uplift that has touched hundreds of thousands of lives across five and a half decades.