My journey in the realm of art education began in the vibrant community of Brightwood, Washington, DC in 1995. I had the honor of spearheading the Kuumba Arts and Crafts Program at A - T Seban Mesut, where I imparted valuable skills to students aged 7 to 10 in the realms of drawing, painting, and design. This program, championed by Ms. Afrika Abney and supported by the D.C. Commission of the Arts, aimed to cultivate creativity and self-expression in the young minds.
During my tenure at the Kuumba Arts and Crafts Program, I had the privilege of impacting the lives of over 100 students, helping them discover their artistic talents and unleash their creative potential. I was honored to receive recognition for excellence in art education from the D.C. Commission of the Arts, affirming the positive impact of my work in the community.
“At-Seban Mesut, founded in 1982 under Ausar Auset DC, provides African-centered spiritual education alongside standard curriculum for Pre-k-8th grade students in DC. Over 25 years, it has graduated many youth. Ur Aua Hehimetu Ra Enkamit oversees AASI programs in DC, Maryland, Virginia, Bermuda, and Toronto, establishing schools, businesses, and spiritual training courses. He has hosted Ghanaian Royalty in DC and led international tours. Ur Aua has contributed to Ghana's projects, donating medical supplies, educational equipment, saplings, and funding education initiatives. His academic background includes BA in African American Studies, Masters in Educational Psychology, Educational Technology from Howard University, and a Ph.D. in African Art and Culture. He is enstooled as Nanai Kweku Yobba Oboapo I, Naba Amalteng I, Naba Anongnerib in various Ghanaian regions. As an author with two published books, he serves as US correspondent for The Royal Magazine. Ur Aua's dedication to education, culture, and community development is evident in his extensive contributions and achievements at both national and international levels.”
Aside from that, I worked at Center City Brightwood Campus in 2013 when I served as a Reading Tutor. I have also disseminated numerous flyers in the area from 2018 - 2019 and again from August 2023 - October 2023.
"Brightwood is one of DC's oldest upper NW neighborhoods. Founded as White Mill Seat in 1756, then Peter's Mill Seat, to Crystal Springs, then to Brighton around 1860, the neighborhood was primarily farmland and a haven for freed slaves."