Obidah Institute of Arts
There are gaps in our education system about Ancient African civilizations, and African American youth are limited in what they learn about their heritage. There are sophisticated systems that our African ancestors established prior to slavery. Black communities, as well as all communities, need to hear these untold stories. I am proposing to program for teaching traditional black art forms to tell the story of pre-slave trade Africa up until modern day. It will reintroduce elements of tribal culture into our own culture, and celebrate contemporary forms that have derived from these elements, such as jazz and hip-hop. Other art forms such as basket weaving, storytelling and African dance will help students connect to a part of themselves that they may never have had access to.
Contact: Olivia Dunn oliviaodunn@gmail.com