Former SAG-AFTRA N.Y. Local President Honored at Tribute

The DC Black Repertory Company Alumni Association and its Multi-Media Training Institute affiliate paid tribute to former SAG-AFTRA New York Local President, the late Mike Hodge, during its 49th anniversary event on Oct. 18. Among those present for the virtual gala were Hodge’s family members and friends, as well as SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President and N.Y. Local President Rebecca Damon. 

Hodge first became involved with theater at West Virginia University where he earned a minor concentration in the subject. He later continued his studies with the repertory, joining Actors Equity Association and legacy Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television & Radio Artist unions before moving to New York. Among his stage credits included Broadway appearances in Fences and A Few Good Men. He would go on to work in commercials, television, film and audiobook narration.

As a union leader, he became the first African American president of SAG’s New York Branch in 2009 and was credited for his work towards the 2012 merger. In addition to serving as president of the New York Local, he served two consecutive terms as the SAG-AFTRA Vice President for New York and participated on numerous union committees until his passing in 2017.

In her tribute, Damon spoke of Hodge’s trailblazing spirit and the legacy he left as a performer, leader and friend.

“Mike loved [his] union members and spent so much time trying to make their lives better,” said Damon. “He loved them like they were family, and … treated [them] with so much love and respect. 

“He blazed a trail for all us to follow in his footsteps, and there’s a whole next generation of performers that are following along that path ... that Mike would’ve been proud of.” 

Founded in 1971, the DC Black Repertory Company became a premier Black cultural institution in Washington, D.C., and is credited for creating a Black theater-going population in the nation’s capital. Its annual anniversary also celebrates Robert Hooks Day, in honor of one of its many founders, Robert Hooks, and reflects on the work of Black theater. This year's event, titled Black Theatre Matters: Honoring Our Past, Defining Our Future, honored prominent Black performers and groups, including Sweet Honey in the Rock’s Carol Maillard and Louise Robinson, who both performed during Hodge’s tribute.

Photo: SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President and New York Local President Rebecca Damon honors the legacy and contributions of former N.Y. Local President, the late Mike Hodge on Oct. 18.