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His mother, Lula Elizabeth Ailey, was only 17 when she gave birth to Alvin. His father, also Alvin, abandoned his family after 6 months.
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Alvin joined the company at the age of 22 and debuted in Revue Le Bal Caribe. After the tragic death of Lester Horton in 1953, Alvin took the artistic director position.
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Alvin and his friend Carmen De Lavallade danced in the show House of Flowers by Truman Capote.
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He created his own group, and they presented their inaugural concert on March 30, 1958.
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The US State Department funded this tour, but there is suspicion as to why they did.
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He was asked to create this piece for the American Ballet Theatre. The music was by Duke Ellington.
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This is one of Alvin's greatest successes. He dedicated it to his mother and black women everywhere.
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The NAACP awarded him this honor for his outstanding achievement as an African American.
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This honor was awarded to him for his work in the performing arts.
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His death was caused by HIV/AIDS, but he had his doctor lie to spare his mother.
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He was inducted into this outdoor display that celebrates LGBT history.
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Barack Obama presented this award to him for having a large impact on National interests of the United States. This is the highest civilian award in the United States.