Layon Gray

Layon has spent more than two decades writing, directing and developing stage plays and films that reflect a wide array of cultural movements. Gray moved to Los Angeles in 2000 and quickly ascended as one of the city's premiere playwrights earning more than 60 nomination and awards for his works. Among the honors are: the 2018 Carbonell Awards (Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Production) 2016 Broadway League Fellowship honor, 2012 NYC Inspire Award, 2012, Al Sharpton Man of Vision Award, 2012 PCTF Award (Best Director) 2010 New York Audelco Award (Achievement Award for Excellence); 2009 NAACP Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2009 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2008 MATCH-LIFE Artist of the Year; 2007 NAACP Award (Best Producer, Best Play); 2007 MITF Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Producer); 2006 NAACP Award (BestPlay); 2005 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play); 2004. Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director); and 2003 Los Angeles MADDY Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Ensemble). Presently, Black Angels Over Tuskegee, his play about the Tuskegee Airmen, is earning great fanfare and incredible reviews and buzz in its 10th year Off-Broadway. The play has performed all around the world as well as private performances for the NFL New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Chargers. In September 2019 the city welcomed Layon home with a sold out performance of Black Angels Over Tuskegee at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. The mayor presented him with a proclamation declaring September 13 Layon Gray Day. His powerful play Kings Of Harlem, and his western Cowboy the story of Bass Reeves are both in early development as feature films.