There are people who make your street a neighborhood. Soon-to-be 96 year old Nat Horne has made 47th street his home since 1968. We can’t imagine the street without him and want to keep him there. He needs your help to do that.

In 1952 Nat became the first African-American to dance as a corps member in the U.S. Military’s Special Services. After serving in the Army he moved to NYC, became an original member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and appeared in twelve Broadway shows. Nat was also one of the founders of New York’s “Theatre Row” on West 42nd Street: The former Nat Horne Musical Theatre (NHMT) was NYC’s first professional school that integrated acting, singing and dance, inspiring students from all over the world.

Despite exemplary bodily health at 95, Nat has recently had hip replacement surgery. He is classified as legally blind and diagnosed with dementia, requiring 24-hour attendants. His long-term care has drained his savings. Nat gave generously to his students well into his 80’s, from preschoolers to Broadway performers. Now he needs our financial help.

It is our chance to give something back to him. Your donations will pay for rent, out-of-pocket medical care, and home health care aides to help keep Nat moving and singing in the place he's called home for 57 years. Yes, he is still singing at 95 ! He may forget to take his pills, but he remembers the words to the songs he sang in his heyday. Please help and share this message on and off social media so that Mr. Horne can stay in his home and in our lives. We cherish him.