Roxbury’s premier Black cultural institution is undergoing a leadership change, with Barry Gaither stepping down as the longtime executive director of the National Center of Afro-American Artists founded by Elma Lewis.

Akiba Abaka, a theater producer and arts administrator, succeeds him as director of the center best known for its museum in a historic mansion and Christmastime production of “Black Nativity,” a play by Langston Hughes.

The transition, which began in the summer, was announced Sept. 24. Gaither, whom Lewis recruited in 1969 to create the art museum, will remain affiliated with the National Center of Afro-American Artists as executive director emeritus.

“I dedicated my life to the NCAAA and the work of Black artists because I believe deeply in the power of art to affirm the

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