TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014\u00a0For more than four decades,\u00a0Black Masks Magazine has documented the stories, achievements and artistry of Black theater professionals
\n across the nation. Now, Florida A&M University is celebrating that legacy through
\n a larger-than-life exhibition honoring the publication’s founder, publisher and editor,
\n Dr. Beth Turner.<\/p>\n
Curated and produced by Evelyn Harris, associate professor of theater in the Essential
\n Theatre Program, the\u00a0\u201cBlack Masks Exhibition: A 40-Year Celebration\u201d\u00a0transforms the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery into what Harris describes as a “life-size
\n magazine,” immersing visitors in the history and impact of one of the nation’s longest-running
\n publications dedicated to Black theater.<\/p>\n
![\"Beth](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1024x768_BLACKMASK7.jpg\")
Beth Turner, founder and publisher of Black Masks magazine, holds a commemorative
\n plaque and bouquet during a ceremony recognizing her decades of contributions to Black
\n arts, culture and journalism. The recognition was presented as part of the \u201cBlack
\n Masks\u201d exhibition at Florida A&M University\u2019s Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, which
\n celebrates the magazine\u2019s 40-year legacy. (Photo courtesy of FAMU Essential Theatre.)<\/p>\n
“This exhibition honors Dr. Turner and her hard work that she has dedicated to over
\n 40 years for\u00a0Black Masks Magazine,” Harris said. “She is the publisher, founder and editor of the publication, and
\n its existence was established in 1984. This exhibition culminates years of dedication
\n and celebrates a remarkable legacy.”<\/p>\n
The exhibition features oversized magazine-style pages displayed throughout the gallery,
\n showcasing archival photographs, publication covers, historical milestones and personal
\n stories that highlight Turner’s contributions to the arts.<\/p>\n
“We wanted to celebrate her work within a larger-than-life magazine format,” Harris
\n said. “The subject is Dr. Turner and, of course,\u00a0Black Masks. Every panel represents a page of the magazine and tells part of her story.”<\/p>\n
Founded in 1984,\u00a0Black Masks Magazine\u00a0became a pioneering publication dedicated to documenting Black theater artists, productions
\n and cultural contributions. According to Harris, no other publication has successfully
\n replicated what Turner set out to accomplish more than 40 years ago.<\/p>\n
“There is no other publication like\u00a0Black Masks\u00a0in its existence,” Harris said. “What Dr. Turner set out to do in 1984, no one followed
\n behind her. She has been successful in highlighting Black talent, and I wanted to
\n turn the page and put the spotlight on her because no one has done that.”<\/p>\n
![\"Costumes](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1024x768_BLACKMASK4.jpg\")
Costumes from FAMU Essential Theatre productions are displayed alongside archival
\n imagery in the \u201cBlack Masks\u201d exhibition at Florida A&M University\u2019s Foster-Tanner
\n Fine Arts Gallery. (Photo courtesy of FAMU Essential Theatre.)<\/p>\n
Bringing the exhibition to life required months of planning, collaboration and design
\n work. Marketing Director Willis Fedd worked closely with Harris to transform her vision
\n into a visual experience that captures the breadth of Turner’s career.<\/p>\n
“What makes this special for me was being able to work with Ms. Harris and fulfill
\n her vision,” Fedd said. “She gave me the concept of what she wanted for\u00a0Black Masks, and I was able to design what she envisioned for Dr. Turner and honoring her 40
\n years with the magazine.”<\/p>\n
The exhibition traces the publication’s journey from its first issue to its final
\n edition, highlighting notable actors, playwrights and theater professionals featured
\n throughout its history.<\/p>\n
“It gives you a backstory to everything she’s done, why she did it, the impact she
\n made and why it’s so important to highlight these individuals and what they mean to
\n the Black theater community,” Fedd said.<\/p>\n
While many know Turner as a professor within FAMU’s theater program, the exhibition
\n also highlights her accomplishments as an award-winning playwright. Visitors can learn
\n about her nationally recognized works, including\u00a0\u201cSweet Mama Stringbean\u201d\u00a0and\u00a0\u201cSing On,\u201d \u201cMiss Griot,\u201d which earned recognition from the Kennedy Center.<\/p>\n
![\"Friends,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1024x768_BLACKMASK8.jpg\")
Friends, colleagues and supporters joined Beth Turner during the opening reception
\n of the \u201cBlack Masks Exhibition: A 40-Year Celebration,\u201d recognizing her decades-long
\n commitment to amplifying Black voices through journalism, arts advocacy and cultural
\n preservation. (Photo courtesy of FAMU Essential Theatre.)<\/p>\n
“Very few people know about Dr. Turner being here at FAMU and all the work that she
\n has done,” Harris said. “We’re making history here.”<\/p>\n
For FAMU’s Essential Theatre Program, the exhibition serves as both a celebration
\n and a thank-you to Turner for her years of service, mentorship and artistic contributions.<\/p>\n
“We have produced many of her plays here at the Charles Winter Wood Theatre,” Fedd
\n said. “This was a swan song for everything she’s done and everything she’s produced
\n here. It’s our way of giving back to her.”<\/p>\n
Although\u00a0Black Masks Magazine\u00a0has published its final issue, Harris says Turner’s influence will continue through
\n the next generation of artists and storytellers.<\/p>\n
“Her legacy will continue,” Harris said. “It may not continue under the\u00a0Black Masks\u00a0header, but she has influenced so many people who will carry her vision forward.”<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1024x768_BLACKMASK3.jpg\")
A vintage desktop computer, telephone and office desk, evoking a newsroom or editorial
\n workspace from the 1980s and 1990s. (Photo courtesy of FAMU Essential Theatre)<\/p>\n
The exhibition will remain on display through August, providing students, alumni and
\n community members with an opportunity to explore a unique chapter of Black theater
\n history.<\/p>\n
Harris hopes visitors leave inspired by Turner’s journey and the power of pursuing
\n a vision.<\/p>\n
“Special ideas come to all of us,” Harris said. “When an idea comes to you, don’t
\n abandon it. Embrace it. You never know where it will take you. Dr. Turner had an idea,
\n she had a vision, and she embraced it. Forty years later, look at the impact.”<\/p>\n
The \u201cBlack Masks Exhibition: A 40-Year Celebration\u201d is open to the public in the Foster-Tanner
\n Fine Arts Gallery and will remain on display through Aug. 29. Gallery hours are Monday
\n through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
![\"Surrounded](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1024x768_BLACKMASK9.jpg\")
Surrounded by loved ones and longtime supporters, Beth Turner celebrates the opening
\n of the \u201cBlack Masks\u201d exhibition, which commemorates the history and legacy of the
\n magazine she founded in 1984. The exhibit highlights the publication\u2019s role in amplifying
\n Black voices in the arts for more than 40 years. (Photo courtesy of FAMU Essential
\n Theatre.)<\/p>\n
Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n