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The Frederick Douglass Writing Club

Frederick Douglass Writing Club brings history to life and ignites students’ creativity. Baba Bomani opens by introducing himself and his community through music, setting an energetic tone. He then dives into the remarkable story of Frederick Douglass, emphasizing how he “stole” his education and used literacy to escape slavery. Baba Bomani connects Douglass’ legacy to […]

Get Write with Rashad Wright

This Poetry/Performance workshop will begin with a demonstration of a performance poem. Students will then discuss the skills being used to write the poem in tandem the techniques used in the performance of that poem. Next participants will be provided with a warm up exercise to encourage creative writing. Shortly after they will be writing […]

B.A.R.S.: The ABC’s of Hip Hop

Baba Bomani’s program uses rhythm and rhyme to explain basic reading and math concepts such as how to recognize syllables and showing how a rapper’s flow is simply a number bond math equation! Students have fun breaking and learning how to rap the alphabet backward, as well as learn crucial active listening skills and Black […]

And Now I See: Race, Racism & American Music

Ball in the House’s brand-new show explores African American music, from Spirituals, Gospel, and Jazz to Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B.  Students will build awareness of where each style came from and why, as well as the cultural/social evolution of these styles and their influences and connect them to the contemporary styles of today. This is done […]

Diaspora West African Drum and Dance Traditions Workshop

  This program is an intense study of the elements of various Diaspora West African drum, dance, song, storytelling, and masquerade traditions from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. This Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company workshop allows students to understand how dance is used to communicate in different ways, and how dance […]

Diaspora West African Drum and Dance Traditions

Join Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company as they explore some of the ways West African Diaspora cultural practices are used to affirm community, communicate values, enhance cultural sensitivity, and inspire meaningful dialogue. Program options include storytelling, dance, drum, and song from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Brazil, Haiti, and the United States. Program […]

Kwanzaa Tales

In her interactive performance, TAHIRA, shares the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa  through storytelling and music. Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. The central cultural values of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith are interwoven into a fun and […]