The Apollo Names Beloved Billy "Mr. Apollo" Mitchell Ambassador & Senior Curator of Community and Cultural Engagement
The appointment honors Mitchell’s six decades of service and expands his role in strengthening The Apollo’s enduring ties to the Harlem community.
On December 19, The Apollo will commemorate Billy Mitchell’s role at Apollo Homecoming, a free community open house welcoming Harlem residents for a first look of the newly modernized Historic Theater.
The Apollo is proud to announce the appointment of Billy Mitchell, known as “Mr. Apollo,” to Apollo Ambassador & Senior Curator of Community and CulturalEngagement. The new role recognizes Billy Mitchell’s extraordinary 60-yearhistory with the institution and longstanding, trusted relationships throughout Harlem, placing community and cultural engagement at the forefront as The Apollo prepares to reopen its Historic Theater in 2027 after its extensive restoration and modernization.
In his new role, Billy Mitchell will serve as The Apollo’s ambassador to Harlem residents, local businesses and community organizations, building on longstanding relationships with elected officials, clergy, cultural leaders and Apollo supporters. Billy Mitchell will continue leading historic tours and representing The Apollo at education programs, including School Day Live, and community events. Billy Mitchell will also work directly with leadership to ensure community questions, priorities and ideas inform institutional planning and decision-making as The Apollo prepares to reopen its Historic Theater.
The Apollo also announces Apollo Homecoming, its first Community Open House following the Historic Theater’s restoration and modernization. On Saturday, December 19, the event will welcome Harlem residents, families and neighbors back into the iconic space to explore the renovated theater, celebrate its history and connect with The Apollo’s next chapter. Alongside performances and remarks from Harlem artists and community voices, Billy Mitchell will lead forums, Historic Theater tours and conversations that give neighbors a closer look at the renovation and opportunities to ask questions and share their perspectives on The Apollo’s future. The event is free and open to the public, with advance RSVP encouraged. Attendees can register athttps://www.apollotheater.org/apollo-homecoming.
Billy Mitchell’s work will extend beyond the Historic Theater’s 2027 reopening, strengthening The Apollo’s enduring relationship with Harlem and developing partnerships that support the neighborhood’s cultural and civic life.
“Billy Mitchell carries The Apollo’s history in his stories and its spirit in every relationship he builds,” said Michelle Ebanks, President and CEO of The Apollo. “This appointment recognizes his remarkable contributions and the trust he has earned over decades. As we prepare to welcome audiences back to the Historic Theater, Billy Mitchell will help ensure that our neighbors and the broader community have a voice in this next chapter.”
BillyMitchell’s Apollo story began in 1965, when his mother sent him to Harlem toborrow money from a relative who lived near the theater. While waiting outside,the 15-year-old met Apollo owner Frank Schiffman, who offered him work runningerrands for performers. That day, Billy Mitchell found himself helping artistsfrom Berry Gordy’s Motown Revue, including the Temptations, Smokey Robinson andthe Miracles, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.
Whatbegan as a way to help his family became a lifelong connection to The Apollo.James Brown and Marvin Gaye encouraged Billy Mitchell to pursue his educationand help pay for his studies. After building a career in finance, BillyMitchell returned to The Apollo, taking on roles spanning audience services,retail, special events and group sales before becoming its Director of Tours,In-House Historian and Apollo Ambassador.
Forgenerations of visitors, Billy Mitchell has made The Apollo’s history personal.His tours draw on first-hand encounters with legendary performers and his ownexperience of the institution’s evolution. Among those visitors was First LadyMichelle Obama, whose encouragement helped inspire Billy Mitchell to write hisautobiography, They Call Me Mr. Apollo: My Journey from Running Errands forthe Stars to Help Run One of the Most Famous Theaters in the World.
“The Apollo has been a lifelong love and passion of mine, ever since I first walked through its doors as a 15-year-old,” said Billy Mitchell. “The Apollo helped shape who I am, and sharing its stories with generations of visitors has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I am honored to take on this expanded role and deepen our connections with the Harlem community. As we look toward reopening, I’m excited to celebrate the history we hold dear and welcome our neighbors into the future we are building together.”
The Historic Theater renovation will preserve The Apollo’s landmark character while improving the experience for artists and audiences, including an expanded lobby with a café and bar, upgraded seating and production technology, and restoration of historic architectural features.
About The Apollo
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.
The Apollo is a commissioner and presenter; catalyst for new artists, audiences, and creative workforce; and partner in the projection of the African American narrative and its role in the development of American and global culture.
The Apollo envisions a new American canon centered on contributions to the performing arts by artists of the African diaspora, in America and beyond.
