Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) was a gay American ballet dancer and choreographer credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in 20th-century concert dance. Gay American ballet dancer and choreographer credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in 20th-century concert dance. His Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and School served as a melting pot for many styles of dance and native African-American traditions, as well as discovering and developing budding talent. His personal choreographic masterpiece is Revelations, still performed by dance troupes all over the world.
Find his plaque on Market Street between Noe and Sanchez