By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Could a long overdue change be finally occurring in one of the most tightly vested American entertainment institutions?

Maybe.

On Broadway -- also known as The Great White Way (don't ask, don't tell) -- African American and Black performers are continually being recognized, more and more -- year after year.

And when it comes to The Tony Awards, which packages everything up all pretty for the television viewing public to experience live on a Sunday night in early June every year, a few big Black names have been accepted with open arms -- by the aristocratic theater community and its power wielders -- with splashy appearances on the telecast.

In 2004, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige made head turns when she performed during the show, alongside music legend Tony Bennett. Soon after, buzz began that she was being approached to star as Shug Avery in a musical version of 'The Color Purple.'

The next year, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin -- adorned in Cleopatra-like regalia -- brought her trademark pipes to an eye-popping duet with ceremony host Hugh Jackman.

Last year, the biggest star to shine during the ceremony was indeed Oprah Winfrey, who was currying favor for her sweeping Broadway debut -- the multiple Tony Award nominated 'Purple,' which she serves as presenting producer for.

So how can Tony Award producers come close to topping that?

Well strength comes in numbers.

According to a spokesperson for the show -- which is officially recognized as the 61st Annual Antoniette Perry "Tony" Awards -- a truckload of celebrity notables have already signed on for what is being billed as Broadway's biggest night.

Tony Award nominated entertainer Vanessa Williams is on the list of bold faced names, including Bebe Neuwirth, Cynthia Nixon, Donny Osmond, Bernadette Peters, Kevin Spacey, Brian Dennehy, Harvey Fierstein, Ben Vereen, Neil Patrick Harris, Marvin Hamlisch, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro, Anne Heche, Judd Hirsch, Felicity Huffman, Zach Braff, Matthew Broderick, Harry Connick, Jr., and Claire Danes, who are confirmed to present Tony Awards to the winners in each of the 25 categories at New York's Radio City Music Hall on June 10.

Chart-topping R&B crooner Usher -- who made a big splash in Broadway's long running musical revival 'Chicago' last summer -- will be a presenter for the show -- which is brought to the masses by the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing.

'American Idol' champ Fantasia Barrino will take a break from her box-office revitalizing performance as Celie in 'Purple' on Sunday so she can join in the festivities, too -- also becoming a part of Tony Award history. She'll be in great company, considering her own R&B diva idols have performed on the same stage just a couple of years before her.

According to an insider, Barrino will perform the show's torch ballad 'I'm Here,' which was composed by Allee Willis, Stephen Bray and Brenda Russell. This would be a treat, indeed. Every time the High Point, North Carolina native sings the song, she brings audiences to their feet.

And as far as people of color who are actually in the race for the coveted honor: Anthony Chisholm and John Earl Jelks both picked up well deserved nods for their exceptional work in August Wilson's final play 'Radio Golf.'

And the grand diva of Broadway's modern day generation, Audra McDonald, was recognized for her work in the revival of '110 in the Shade,' making it her sixth Tony Award nomination.

The 'Secret Garden' and 'Master Class' star holds the distinction of being the most celebrated African American actress currently working on The Great White Way, with a total of four Tony Awards already won.

They really like her.

The classically-trained West Germany native is confirmed to perform the song titled 'Raunchy' from the Lonny Price-directed musical.

It should be well worth seeing.

The Tonys will air live on CBS June 10 from 8:00 – 11:00 PM (ET/PT time delay).