The Smoke, Lillies & Jade Arts Initiative is a Philadelphia-based dance and performance art company founded by Philadelphia native Zane Booker, who also serves as the creative director. The title for the group is named after a poem by Bruce Nugent, who was a Black Gay playwright during the Harlem Renaissance who incorporated social issues into his artistry. This is why Zane chose the name of one of his poems (\\Smoke, Lillies & Jade\\)for his company. Similar to Mr. Nugent, Zanes goal is to diffuse social issues into his performances as a way to create social change.

In April 2007, SLJ performed a two show fundraiser for The Attic Youth Center, which primarily serves LGBT youth of color, providing them with social services, counseling and meals, among other needed services. SLJ also performed during an event the BGMLC sponsored during the national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex health summit held here in Philadelphia in Ma
rch 2007. SLJ became an organizational member of the BGMLC in May of 2007.

On September 29th, SLJ will have its next fundraiser, a cabaret show, at Freedom Theater, 1346 N. Broad Street. Tickets can be purchased at Up Stages, the ticket box office located at the Prince Theater, near Chestnut and 15th Sts. in Center City. Please consider supporting this Black gay owned and operated theater company.

Below is an interview Zane did with CN8 \\Newsmakers\\ recently and there are also two videos of his dance companies’ performances.