Honoring Our Founder, Embracing Our Future
Ebony Road Players Announces the Retirement of Founder & Executive Director Edye Evans Hyde
Ebony Road Players announces the retirement of Founder and Executive Director Edye Evans Hyde, marking a meaningful leadership transition and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organization.
After 13 years of visionary leadership, Edye leaves behind a powerful legacy rooted in artistic excellence, community impact, and the elevation of Black voices through theatre.
“I founded Ebony Road Players to make space for Black and other underrepresented voices in our community. Now, I am excited to see Grand Rapids embrace these stories even more,"
As Founder and Executive Director, Edye Evans Hyde shaped Ebony Road Players into a vital cultural institution dedicated to inspiring, educating, and engaging the community through high-quality theatre centered on the Black experience. Her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment established a strong artistic foundation and enduring community partnerships throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
“Edye’s leadership and legacy are inseparable from the story of Ebony Road Players,” said Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, President of the Board of Directors. “Because of the foundation she built, we are entering this next chapter with both gratitude and great excitement for what lies ahead.”
You can read the full press release here
Looking Ahead…
To support a smooth and stable transition, the Board of Directors has established an interim leadership structure to ensure continuity of operations. All programs, performances, and community initiatives will continue as planned.
The Board is also forming a Search Committee to lead a thoughtful, inclusive search for the organization’s next Executive Director. As Ebony Road Players looks to the future, the Board is energized by the opportunity to build on its Founder’s legacy while expanding its impact, strengthening community connections, and continuing to elevate Black voices through theatre and education.