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NEW YORK (AP) -- Jonelle Procope's 20-year tenure as president and CEO of The Apollo Theater evolved into an era of prosperity and expansion, markedly different from the tumultuous, cash-strapped decades that preceded it.
Sure, the early years were a struggle, as the New York City landmark, where music legends from Billie Holiday and Stevie Wonder to D'Angelo and countless rappers graced the stage, dealt with financial difficulties and a shifting business model. And she had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic when the hub of its Harlem neighborhood was closed for two years.
However, when Procope steps down at the end of June, she will leave her successor Michelle Ebanks - the Essence Communications executive who was named her replacement last week - with the proceeds of a nearly $80 million campaign raised to complete a renovation and expansion of the historic theater by 2025. Though the bulk of that money came from donations, it also includes $15.7 million in support from the city of New York and a $10 million grant from the state.
On Monday night, Procope will be honored, alongside hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and basketball superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at The Apollo's Spring Benefit for her service.
"It's been a privilege and an honor," Procope told The Associated Press in an interview. "In many respects, I think I take more away than what I gave. It really has made me a whole person."
That said, she admits protecting The Apollo and building it into what it is now - the largest African American performing arts presenting organization in the country - has basically been her life throughout her tenure.
"It's been 20 years of 24/7 Apollo," said Procope, 72. "Frankly, I haven't had space in my brain to really think about 'What do you want to do next?' So I'm excited to have a moment to be reflective and to think about the things that turn me on, what I am passionate about, what are things that I'm curious about."
Charles E. Phillips, chairman of the Apollo's board, has said Procope turned around the once-bankrupt theater almost single-handedly.