top of page

JUBA! Award & Awardees

Supporting performance, education and community

The Story of JUBA


William Henry Lane was the first African American to earn the right to perform with white minstrel dancers in the 1830’s and 40s. Lane and an Irishman named John Diamond were promoted in a series of staged tap dance competitions of which Lane won all but one. He was given the appellation “Juba”- a Zulu word meaning King – by fellow dancers and went on to give command performances before the crowned heads of Europe where he was proclaimed the greatest dancer of all time by American and European critics alike.

Juba (also spelled giuba) is a river/valley/city in Somalia/Ethiopia/Sudan. It is also a word in Swahili meaning “dove”. Juba was also a dance created by slaves featuring hand clapping and foot stomping, referred to as “patting the juba”.

The JUBA! Award


William Henry Lane faced crushing prejudice in a country still divided by slavery and was still able to accomplish, to excel and to win. Lane’s life is a testament to the ability of people to overcome all obstacles, to excel despite adversity and to affect change through acts of personal courage and fortitude. This award acknowledges those who personify these characteristics and have made extraordinary contributions to the field as artists and patrons.

Past Honorees

2024

2023

2022

2019

2019 (cont)

2017

2016

2016 (cont)

2015

2014

2016 (cont)

2015

2013

2012

2011 

Juba-Weber-116x150.jpeg

Sam Weber

Award-winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, master teacher and choreographer. The first tap dancer to receive a “Bessie” award, in recognition of outstanding creative achievement.

2010

2009 

2009 (cont)

2008

2007

2007 (cont)

2006

Juba-BCBS1.gif
Juba-Conte.jpeg

2005

2004

2005

Juba-Hood-130x150.jpeg

Bill Hood

Bill Hood and American Airlines have served the Chicago community through their philanthropic efforts and leadership. American Airlines has supported many cultural organizations through travel support for artists and donations to charitable events.

2003

2002

2001

2001 (cont)

2000

1998

1997

1996

1995

bottom of page