I was 6 years old when the above photo was taken of me. At that time in 1982, I was a student at NationHouse. I have thrown the clothes away years later.
I urge those who may be attempting to tarnish my reputation or undermine my future prospects to reconsider their actions. Spreading inaccurate information is neither constructive nor justified, and it only serves to create unnecessary confusion and harm. It is essential to maintain a professional environment where facts are respected and communicated accurately, rather than allowing rumors to dictate perceptions of my professional standing.
SELECTED PAST PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
CONSULTANT. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington, D.C. 2001 - 2020.
- Offered photography services, capturing high-quality images for promotional use.
- Managed information dissemination for performances, enhancing audience reach.
- Directed social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 25% through strategic content.
- Collaborated with a team to develop innovative marketing strategies.
- Analyzed campaign performance, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers and Esther Productions, Inc, Washington, D.C.. Responsible for hosting, setting up tables, clean up, interior decorating, stage designing, and recruiting participants. Sounds of Hope at Potter's House (2012), The Gift (October 2015; October 2016, and October 21, 2017); Building Family in the 21st Century (June 2016); Painting Your Future Bright: A Sip and Paint for Girls Ages 13 - 17 (March 16, 2019); and PaintSpiration: An Interactive Workshop designed for girls ages 13 through 17 (May 4, 2019).
ARTS SPECIALIST. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, Washington, D.C. June 20, 2018 - July 25, 2018. Plan and present visual arts classes for students of varying backgrounds and abilities, create a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; and prepare and disseminate a weekly report for the Program Manager, Justin Love.
CONSULTANT. Kitchen Table Talks. African American Women's Resource Center, Washington, D.C. November 6, 2017 - November 30, 2017. Worked with the team to ensure the timely dissemination of press releases, fostering a cooperative environment.
CONSULTANT. Mr. Ralph Nader. Breaking Through Power, Washington, D.C. 2016. Engaged with local communities to raise awareness about Breaking Through Power, effectively increasing event attendance and participation.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. DC International School, Washington, D.C. 2016 - 2017. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER. JEAP, Washington, D.C.. 2015. Responsible for preparing materials, organizing activities, helping students with assignments, and reporting to management.
AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015. Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 - July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)
SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9 -12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp.
SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Provided dance instruction to children and adults in the absence of the studio teacher. Taught Samba Fusion - All Levels and Afro Beats - All Levels.
AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.
Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.
SUMMER ACADEMY CAMP PART- TIME ELECTIVE ART TEACHER. Higher Achievement, Washington, DC - Metro. July 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013 (Center City PCS - Capitol Hill Campus); and 2003-2004 (Bruce Monroe Elementary School). Created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for summer program, specific to 5th - 8th grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including abstract painting.
AFFILIATED TEACHING ARTIST. Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT), Washington, DC. October 2012 - May 2013. Planned and presented visual arts classes for first and second grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities, integrating literacy fundamentals within the context of the classroom instruction; created a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; established my own classroom rules for each student to follow; and prepared and disseminated a weekly report for the Program Manager, Laurie Ascoli.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. December 2013 - 2014. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.
STUDENT SUCCESS COACH. Center City Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. October 2013-December 2013. Responsibilities included tutoring individuals or small group of students; uphold the school's behavior policy; and providing assistant with various extended learning program activities as needed.
READING TUTOR. Reading Partners, Washington, D.C. January 2013 through May 2013.Provided specialized instruction and academic assistance to students in 3rd through 5th grade, using the Reading Partners program and curriculum.
SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.
CONSULTANT. BZB International, Washington, DC. Provided services for the BZB Annual Holiday Gift and Art Show held in 2009, 2013, 2014, from 2016- 2019; and 2022. Also provided services for Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique in 2010 and 2011.
Consulted for Anacostia Art Gallery and BZB International, improving operational efficiency by 15% through strategic process optimization and team collaboration.
CONSULTANT. Kerry S. Pearson, LLC. Washington, DC. 2010-2011.
Researched construction materials, providing insights that improved project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Analyzed market trends to recommend materials, enhancing project quality and reducing expenses.
Collaborated with a team to gather data, ensuring accurate and timely research results for decision-making.
CONSULTANT. DC COALITION FOR HOUSING JUSTICE, Washington, DC. 2010 – 2011. Assisted in fundraising activities, enhancing donor engagement and improving funding outcomes.
Guest Host. Summer is Magic Artist's Reception. The Martin Luther King Memorial Library, Washington, DC. July 17, 2003
Guest Host. Word of Mouth. Bossa Bistro Lounge, Washington, DC. March 13, 2003
Guest Host for “Open Mic”. John Nelson Gallery, Maryland. November 8, 2003
Guest Host. A Night of Poetry. Trinity College, Cullivy Lounge, Washington, DC. February 19, 2004
Host. Youth Poetry Open Mic. Kick Off Youth Poetry Week. Saturday, April 10, 2004. Mt. Pleasant Library 3160 16th St NW (Corner of 16th and Lamont St. NW) Washington, DC(basement).
PROGRAM COORDINATOR. Esther Productions, Inc., Washington D.C.. November 2004 - March 2006. Designed and implemented community outreach programs for Esther Productions, Inc.. This involved developing program objectives, identifying potential audience, and developing outreach campaigns for the targeted population. With Esther Productions, Inc also helped create in school - programs that focused on middle school girls growing without their fathers.
Guest Host. The Poets Den (Kaffa House), Washington, DC. July 26, 2001
Host. 1st Thursday Poetry Open Mic Fest sponsored by Cultural Development Corporation and Starbucks, managed by Desho Productions. 2001 - 2002
Coordinator. Open Mic.Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, Washington, DC. 2001
Co-coordinator. Provisions Poetry Fest and Free the Peace.Provisions Library, Washington, DC. 2002
CONSULTANT. BLACK VOICES FOR PEACE, Washington, DC. 2001. Managed administrative tasks, ensuring smooth operations and timely project completion.
PROJECT DIRECTOR. Jubilee Enterprise of Greater Washington, DC. August 2001 - August 2002. Supervised overall activities of after school program staff at three sites. Reviewed weekly plans of Academic Activity Coordinator. Also was responsible for hiring and assigning other employees who served as after school tutors; developed and implemented training program for project tutors; maintained program field; collected weekly timesheets for program staff and implemented cultural enrichment and parental involvement activities; developed and implemented special event honoring student achievers; recruited staff; coordinated and implemented activities for the Building Upon Principles Summer Enrichment and Cultural Program.
PROGRAM MONITOR/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. DC Department of Parks and Recreation, Washington, DC. 2001 - 2001. Responsible for oversight of the Summer Arts Program. Duties also included maintenance of the database and general administration.
GALLERY ASSISTANT. Phillips Collection. 2000. Responsible for monitoring and keeping artwork safe during gallery hours.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER. Academy for Ideal Education, Washington, D.C. 1997. Responsible for preparing materials, organizing activities, helping students with assignments, and reporting to management.
ART CURATOR. New Harlem Gallery, New York City. 1992 - 1993. Installed art for some of the exhibitions held at the New Harlem Gallery.
CONSULTANT. Varies. Washington, DC. 1992 - present. Designed and implemented media campaigns for several individuals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations, including the Malcolm X Dancers and Drummers, Esther Productions, Inc., African American Women's Resource Center, and Adams Morgan Day Festival. This involved identifying media contacts; writing press releases and other publicity materials, including posters and flyers; disseminating press kits; and interfacing with reporters and other journalists. Disseminated flyers, press releases, designed and implemented media campaigns for Esther Productions, Inc and Mr. Ralph Nader. Provided research,fundraising and typing services for Kerry S. Pearson, LLC and DC Coalition for Housing and Justice.
LITERARY PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES (Partial Listing)
Apr 14, 2001 and April 16, 2001. Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, 1201 U St. NW Washington, DC
April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington DC
April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS, Washington, DC
April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez, Washington DC
April 18, 2002. Bintumani Restaurant and Club, Washington, DC. Hosted by Abena Disroe
June 6, 2002. Starbucks 1st Thursday Poetry Fest. Starbucks Chinatown, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Cultural DC and Desho Productions
DANCE PERFORMANCES EXPERIENCES (partial listing)
June 2, 1996. Africare Family Festival. SAMBAFRICA. Soul In Motion Players.
February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC
June 13, 1997. Marcus Garvey PCS, Washington, DC
October 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
November 2, 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Georgetown University Law School, Washington, DC
November 4, 1999. African American Heritage Celebration. Soul in Motion Players featuring Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Bowie State University, Bowie MD
April 7, 2001. Celebrate the Rites of Spring. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC
May 20, 2001. Unity Rally in honor of Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ideal PCS, Washington DC
June 2, 2001. Beyond the Monuments Neighborhood Day. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC
June 15, 2001. Friends of Brother Ah. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC
June 19, 2001. Citywide Juneteenth Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, MLK Library, Washington DC
September 28, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC
December 1, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, St, Marks Church, Washington DC
December 8, 2001. 50th Birthday Celebration of Damu Smith. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC
December 15, 2001. Cultural Cafe, Washington, DC. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
February 17, 2002. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington DC
February 19, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
February 24, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC. Sponsored by Riverside Baptist Church and Collective Voices of DC.
February 26, 2002. Celebration of the History of Black Music. Fairmont Heights Municipal Building. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Fairmont Heights, MD. Sponsored by the Town of Fairmont Heights.
May 19, 2002. A Tribute to Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. Malcolm X Day, Malcolm X Park, Washington DC
April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
April 20, 2002. Rites of Spring. Market 5 Gallery. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
June 6, 2009. DanceAfrica 2009. Dance Place, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 13, 2009. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC
August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
September 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
September 27, 2009. Fiesta DC 2009, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
December 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
December 27,2009. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers Kujichagulia Celebration hosted by UNIA-ACL Division 332. Zanzibar on the Waterfront, Washington, DC.
January 1, 2010. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 28, 2010. SHAWARMAKING, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
June 11, 2010 and July 18,2011. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 27, 2011 and October 15, 2011. DC History Center, Washington, DC
April 12, 2011, September 14, 2011, and September 17, 2011. Festival Center, Washington, D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 21, 2011. Malcolm X Park. African Liberation Day with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 28, 2011. The Fusion Grill, Washington D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
December 3, 2011. Unity Rally, Washington, D.C. Umoja House with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
January 1, 2012. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
April 9, 2012. Howard Theatre Re-Opening. Howard Theatre, Washington, DC. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
April 29, 2012. Natural Health Festival, Washington, DC
May 18, 2012. African Liberation Day 2012, Howard University Blackburn Center, Washington, DC. 5pm (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 20, 2012. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC. 3pm. (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
June 8, 2012. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
September 8, 2012. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC.
September 9, 2012. 34th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival, Washington, DC.
October 19, 2012. Potter's House, Washington, DC
August 25, 2013. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 3, 2014. Funk Parade. U Street NW, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 12, 2014. Greenbelt Green Man Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
May 17, 2014. Lotus Festival. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC
July 2, 2015. World Children’s Festival, National Mall, Washington, DC.
September 27, 2015. Hyattsville Festival with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
October 10, 2015. Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
December 19, 2015 and January 2, 2016. Hands on Drums, Ivy City, Washington, DC with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
January 4, 2016. Akoma Drummers, All Souls Church Washington, DC
PAST VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS
KUUMBA ARTS AND CRAFTS PROGRAM. D.C. Department of Recreation (Emery Recreation Center, Parkview Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center and Upshur Recreation Center) from 1997 - 1998 and A - T Seban Mesut (1995- 1998). conducted a free fine arts workshop for children ages 7 — 10. Taught students ages 7 to 10 techniques of drawing, finger painting, sponge painting, abstract design, clay work, collage designing and monoprinting. Sponsored by Ms. Afrika Abney and funded by the D.C. Commission of the Arts, Arts Education Grant Program
KUUMBA EXPRESSIONS, WASHINGTON, DC. Culture Coffee on January 31,2015 and Potter's House on May 16,2016 and May 23, 2016. They were sponsored by Culture Coffee, Potter's House and Esther Productions, Inc Art Enablers. Designed to serve youth between the ages of 6 through 12, including those with developmental disabilities. Participants were provided instruction in painting, using traditional and non-traditional materials, with the intent of enhancing their own natural artistic talent while expanding their fundamental information about compositional studies, light and shadow, and technique. Further, the workshop augments participants’ overall education, particularly their communication skills. Additionally, participants were introduced to many renaissance artists. Some of them include Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Polluck and Lois M. Jones.
PAST PROFESSIONAL DANCE WORKSHOPS
Greenbelt Greenman Festival (May 2013 - October 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD
Led workshops teaching West African dance to children and adults, organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events, developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, facilitated energetic dance movements, and delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.
Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival (May 2013 - October 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD
Led workshops teaching West African dance to children and adults, organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events, developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, facilitated energetic dance movements, and delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.
Bloombars (April 14, 2012), Washington, DC
Led workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.
Columbia Heights MarketPlace (May 12, 2012), Washington, DC
Led workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.
Malcolm X Park (October 2009 - December 2015), Washington, DC
● Led workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.
● Organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events,
engaging diverse audiences.
● Developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, improving student retention and enthusiasm.
● Facilitated energetic dance movements, fostering physical fitness and teamwork among participants.
● Delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.
COMMUNITY CAREER DAY VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS
2016. Eliot (invited by Ms. Ophelia Morgan).
1996. Calvin Coolidge High School (invited by Ms. Angela Cook)
Led visual art workshops
Engaged over 200 students in discussing the visual arts career
Collaborated with school principals to tailor workshops to student needs, enhancing learning outcomes.
Achieved measurable improvements in student engagement and cultural understanding.
PAST LITERARY WORKSHOPS
Mt. Pleasant Library, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2014. Designed to assist children ages 6 -12 to expand their literary skills.
Takoma Park Library, Washington,DC. 2003. Enhancing Our Imaginations was funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The workshop was geared towards young adults. Invited many poets and literary artists to be a part of the workshop. Some of them include Rebecca Bishophall, Judine Slaughter, Hank Okoro and many others.
In the above photo, I was a high school student from 1991 - 1993. 14 - 16 years old, I attended Bell.
Bullying people for themselves is unwanted behavior.
I was a teenager from 1989 - 1996.