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in the spirit Ifetayo

Cultural Arts

Academy

Photography by: Martin Dixon & Ifetayo

1989

A Journey Like No Other...

In 1989, I decided to open an organization that would be a reservoir of cultural nourishment for the minds of children of African descent. By using the arts to build cultural awareness, pride, and heightened self worth, we believed we could encour-age an unshakable outcome of collective dignity, no matter the obstacle. What we received with such dedication, determination and fellowship from the community was an unwavering level of support, which, to this day includes scores of families who see Ifetayo not as a place, but as a very important aspect of their family and community life.

I have learned on this journey of Building Ifetayo that I had to listen to the voice inside that was often guided by the Ancestors. Many of the systems that were taught to me in school for nonprofit organizations and community building will never totally inspire people in the Diaspora and leave them feeling whole; there is a major part of them-selves missing from the process of how they participate in organizations and grow their families. Ifetayo exists to remedy much of the ‘process versus people’ struggle many community organizations grapple with.

2011

Finally, as we move towards 23 years of cultivating a community organization in Brook-lyn New York, I can look back and say Asé. People often ask if I can write a book for building communities centered around the African Diaspora, since Ifetayo is one of the few organizations that has been able to stand and continue to grow for over two decades. I often respond by saying, “soon come.” This is definitely not the book. However, it is a representation of the amazing examples of what a united community can achieve together with a true sense of shared leadership coupled with powerful respect for our youth and elders.

Peace and Blessings,

Kwayera Archer-Cunningham Founding President & CEO

i It is the first step that is difficult

–Nigerian Proverb

Ifetayo Youth Ensemble members in “The Advocate: Who is the Mastermind?” (2006). Left to Right: Tony Wright, Zani Senghor, Zequan Bailey, Ajani Tudor, Khepera Damu, Fatari Kefentse (’11).

A child who asks questions does not become a fool

–Ghanaian Proverba

Omnihilit ea seque ea sam in nOnsenda id quidiO cOmnim qui

Ifetayo Youth Ensemble member Negesti Forde-Rhone in “Economy on Trial” at Ifetayo’s 20th Anniversary Gala.

The foundation of Ifetayo’s mission and programs hinges upon its focus on the culture of persons of African descent. This focus on culture per-meates through every aspect of the organization. Ifetayo offers several opportunities for students and their parents to learn about and embrace their cultural roots through history classes, scholarly lectures given by experts in their field, and through a cultural exchange program where students can truly immerse them-selves in the language and traditions of international partners. Ifetayo strives to provide participants with an authentic, educational and enjoy-able experience through the dearth of individuals and organizations we partner with regularly.

culture

culture Sisters in Sisterhood in Traditional Rites Ceremony, Somanya-Ghana, West Africa, 2007. Left to Right: Bahiyyah Asante, Uwingablye Cunningham (’09), Nandi Barton, Nisa Shabazz, Imani Clayton, Niara Jack, Bahati Barton, Fakoya Jack-Vilmar.

Young African sister in Ghana, West Africa.

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Life on the road in Ghana, West Africa 2007.

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Dr. Kamau Kokayi pouring libation at Ifetayo Performance.

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Ifetayo Youth Ensemble member, Bahiyyah Asante in “The Advocate: Who is the Mastermind?” 2006.

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The Ifetayo Academy for Cultural Arts encourages children and young adults to utilize the arts as a means through which to learn about them-selves and the world around them. Cultivating fundamental artistic skills and seeing those skills blossom is one of the primary goals of Ifetayo. Through several artistic mediums, including music, dance, theater, and the visual arts, children are provided with space to express themselves in novel ways. Through our unique cur-riculum offerings, children grow and develop as artists, and their under-standing of the arts, as they relate to education, increases.

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s Bahati Barton, Brother Mamadou Guisse, Efia Wronge, Robyn Joseph-Boughknight, Brother Bassanio Clark in “Soldiers of Love” 2010.

Top: Brother Dexter Braithwaite with I am My Brother students. Bottom Left & Middle: Brother Edwin Pierre-Louis with I am My Brother students; Bottom Right: Brother Solwazi Olusola with Fatari Kefentse (’11) in Cultural History Class.

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Top: Brother Andrei Strobert (Ancestor) with Trap drum student Solwazi Cunningham (’11). Bottom Left: Brother Andrei Strobert (Ancestor) dem-onstrating for students. Bottom Middle: Brother Andrei Strobert demonstrating with trap drum students Solwazi Cunningham (’11) and Jahiem Senghor. Bottom Right: Trap drum student Jaheim Senghor.

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Ifetayo Music Students in “Diaspora meets the Motherland” 2010. Top: African Drum Student Jahi Kefentse. Bottom Left: Vocal Student Bahati Barton. Bottom Middle: Ifetayo Youth Ensemble Members Fatari Kefentse (’11) and Solwazi Cunningham (’11). Bottom Right: Ifetayo Youth Ensemble member Akeem Adams.

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Ifetayo Music Students at “Diaspora meets the Motherland” 2010. Top: Left to Right – Ikhari Hinds, Jabari Asante, Nnamdi Render. Bottom Left: Iya Olatunji enjoying the performance. Bottom Middle: Guitar Student Damani Ali. Bottom Right: Brother Clifford Moonie Pusey with Solwazi Cunningham (’11).

Ifetayo Youth Ensemble member, Robyn Joseph-Boughknight accompanied by Brother Vassindou Coulibaly and Brother Bassanio Clark in “Growing Up African” 2009.

Left-Bahati Barton in “Growing Up African” 2009 Right –Top Bahati Barton and Akeem Adams in “Growing Up African” 2009 Right-Bottom- Robyn Joseph-Boughknight and Brother Bassanio Clark in “Growing Up African” 2009.

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Ifetayo prides itself on having a strong community of instructors, parents, and children who actively participate in many aspects of our organization and keep it strong. Promoting a famil-ial atmosphere allows the creativity of our students to flourish. Our various programs allow students to explore avenues outside of their immediate surroundings. Ifetayo understands that strong communities create strong children; alternatively, strong children become strong adults, and ultimately, future leaders with exceptional char-acter. It is our goal to be a strong force in gathering tools for commu-nity members to tap into and use to regenerate, rebuild and strengthen their families and communities on a whole.

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unity

Council of Elders (Left to Right) Mama Violet Archer and Baba Chuck Davis being presented an award by Sister Renee Smith at “Stories Untold” 2006.

Sisters in Sisterhood participants Nictoria Frazier, Yejide Collman, Chaunelle DeShong, Chenzira Raphael with young students in Ghana, West Africa 2001.

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Kwayera Archer-Cunningham, Founder & President, State Senator Kevin Parker, Brother Fanzy Monguehy Taha with Ifetayo students Jaya Jerome, Bria Austin, Adasa Bandele, Amelie Bertoni, Olayinka Spellman, Folasade McMullen and Zaria Young at St. Mark’s Day School.

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an ifetayo cultural arts academy publication

an ifetayo cultural arts academy publication

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love is enoughfor joy

Photography by: Martin Dixon & Ifetayo