HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) -- There will be a year-long celebration of a black trailblazer who founded a legendary school in Harlem. At the Harlem School of the Arts, you can see the beauty of arts, history, culture, and community coming together.

The president and CEO of Harlem School of the Arts said it’s hard to believe. It was 60 years ago; this legendary school started off as a piano lesson in the basement of a Harlem church with one student. The iconic founder, Dorothy Maynor, began a cultural movement. 

The school is celebrating its 60th year this year. And at the center is Maynor. She was an internationally acclaimed concert soprano who was the first black person to sing at two presidential inaugurations. She was the first African American to serve on the board of the Metropolitan Opera. You see a beautiful mural of her as you walk in. 

Horton says her true passion was social justice, and her legacy lives on now with the children who learn inside.  It’s a place that gave birth to countless celebrities. 

More than 60,000 children impacted and influenced by programs here since 1964. A place where, six days a week, there are free programs for all ages in arts, music, literature, and technology.

Thursday night, Grammy award-winning soprano and Met star Latonia Moore will pay homage to Maynor. One soprano to another. Horton said a quote now near the front door best represents Maynor’s passion for her community and the children of Harlem. 

“We made children believe that everything beautiful is outside our community. We would like them to make beauty in our community.”

The Harlem School of the Arts has free programming that needs support; if you want to help, go to hsanyc.org.