Bloomington, Indiana – Charles E. Sykes, D.M.E., has announced his retirement as the executive director of the African American Arts Institute (AAAI) at Indiana University after 34 years of dedicated service.
Raymond Wise, professor in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, associate director of AAAI and director of the African American Choral Ensemble, will become the institute’s executive director starting July 1, 2024, while continuing to conduct the choral ensemble for the foreseeable future. Wise is internationally recognized as a conductor, scholar and composer specializing in Black gospel music.
“In assuming this position, I understand the responsibility and gravity of maintaining the legacy of the AAAI; however, I look forward to building upon the foundation laid and charting new pathways to new and exciting possibilities,” said Wise.
Administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Indiana University Bloomington, the AAAI performing arts program manages three ensembles offered as courses through IU’s Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies: the African American Choral Ensemble, the African American Dance Company and the IU Soul Revue. The AAAI also manages pre-college programs and engages in recording through AAAI Records. The institute’s mission is to preserve and promote African American culture through performance, education, creative activity, research and outreach.
“The African American Arts Institute is an important part of why Indiana University is such a special place, and Charles Sykes has been instrumental in bringing the uniqueness and creativity that is the AAAI to so many people. His contributions and influence are a critical part of the institute’s history,” says James C. Wimbush, Indiana University’s vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership.
Sykes’ career with the AAAI started as a graduate student in the Jacobs School of Music, working with the institute as technical supervisor and horn coach for the IU Soul Revue. After several years as a music department faculty at other institutions, Sykes returned to IU as AAAI executive director.
“What I will miss most is the opportunity to help students find their paths to success,” says Sykes. Under his leadership, over a thousand students have had the opportunity to perform with the ensembles locally, nationally and some internationally, or have worked for the AAAI in instructional, technical and management areas of the arts. He has mentored and assisted hundreds of IU students in their academic, musical and professional pursuits, leaving a great legacy at IU.
In addition to his AAAI executive director position, Sykes has served as affiliate faculty in African American and African Diaspora Studies and Folklore and Ethnomusicology. He developed what is generally considered the first collegiate course on the history of Motown Records, published several articles and lectured internationally on the subject.
Over his years of service, Sykes has collected hundreds of stories regarding the history of the AAAI, including working directly with Herman Hudson, its founder. As one of the few institute historians, Sykes will continue working with the AAAI in a limited capacity to document its history and assist with the upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations for the African American Arts Institute and African American Dance Company in (2024-2025) and African American Choral Ensemble (2025-2026).