2024 marks the 40th anniversary since Erika Alexander was first discovered as an actress at the age of 14 years old. While attending a 6-week summer program at the famed Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, Erika auditioned for a Merchant Ivory independent film called My Little Girl. Hundreds of young Black and brown girls auditioned for the movie. After 12 screen tests and 4 auditions, Erika was chosen for the lead role in the film. This changed the trajectory of her entire life.

Forty years later, Erika’s career is as hot as ever, having starred last year in the Oscar-winning film, American Fiction, for which she received multiple acting award nominations.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Erika’s initial discovery,
join us for the Erika Alexander Mid-Career Retrospective as we reflect on the impact of Erika’s iconic career to date.

We will also celebrate the community activism work that Erika champions, highlighting her newly launched non-profit, Color Farm Impact, as well as the campaign to revitalize Freedom Theatre. This series of events is about the appreciation Erika has for her roots and her desire to give back to the communities that raised her.

This is a multi-week, multi-city celebration.

2024 marks the 40th anniversary since Erika Alexander was first discovered as an actress at the age of 14 years old. While attending a 6-week summer program at the famed Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, Erika auditioned for a Merchant Ivory independent film called My Little Girl. Hundreds of young Black and brown girls auditioned for the movie. After 12 screen tests and 4 auditions, Erika was chosen for the lead role in the film. This changed the trajectory of her entire life.

Forty years later, Erika’s career is as hot as ever, having starred last year in the Oscar-winning film, American Fiction, for which she received multiple acting award nominations.

The best is yet to come for Erika! Her career is only getting started.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Erika’s initial discovery, join us for the Erika Alexander Mid-Career Retrospective as we reflect on the impact of Erika’s iconic career to date.

We will also celebrate the community activism work that Erika champions, highlighting her newly launched non-profit, Color Farm Impact, as well as the campaign to revitalize Freedom Theatre. This series of events is about the appreciation Erika has for her roots and her desire to give back to the communities that raised her.

This is a multi-week, multi-city celebration.

Special Events and Ceremonies will be held in both Philadelphia and Brooklyn. These two locations are special for the following reasons: