For 25 years, Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation has evolved with imagination, agility, discipline, dedication, resourcefulness, and passion. Within its first decade, we established a popular performing company, Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, and powerful enrichment cultural arts-based educational programs. Today, the organization encompasses a robust range of programs. In addition to the African American Dance Theater, we have developed several additional core programs, Children’s Summer Arts Camp for youth 4-13, (2006) School of the Arts, (2011), Arts Outreach Program and Youth Ensemble, (2012) and the Asase Yaa Theater Company 2023). We have also hosted and produced multiple annual music, dance, and cultural events, including the Rhythms & Movements and Art Is Alive Festivals. There is a deep commitment to continue to create a positive impact through arts and cultural practices in our communities. This gala is an effort to balance its founding purpose and spirit —all of which will better support each program area of the organization that is the entirety of Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation.
As we honor our 25-year journey this year, let us be reminded of the simple, yet powerful truth: Culture moves. Art evolves. Legacy lives through people.
Kofi Osei Williams, ZAKIYA HARRIS, RUBIE INEZ WILLIAMS and Yao Ababio
Enono Anantom: Symbol Of Making An Impact
Resembling an “elephant’s foot,” Enono Anantom symbolizes the mark that one person can make on the world. People are encouraged to aspire to greatness and to have a positive impact not only in their community but also in the world at large. As an adinkra symbol, adinkra meaning farewell or goodbye in the Twi language spoken by the Ashanti/Asante people of modern-day Ghana, it motivates individuals to take meaningful action and to contribute to the betterment of the world.
Gala Host Committee
- Rubie Inez Williams – Dreams In Action Gala Committee Co-Chair
- Esi-Kilanga Bowser-Santiago – Dreams In Action Gala Committee Co-Chair
- Renee K. Smith
- Kofi Osei Williams
- Dr. Jawana Johnson
- Afriqiyah Woods
- Eugene Santiago
- Pastor Shaun Lee
- Marlon Rice
- Felicia Williams
- Maisha Hyman
- Brian Kwesi Robinson
- Nicole Greaves
- Jewel Barrow
- Lindsey Holmes
- Lemuria Alawode-El
- Nathifa Forde
- Majja Cave
- Stephanie Burns
- Sheryl Davis
- Hakeem Duncan
- Asha Akowe-Halsey
Board of Directors
- Dr. Jawana Johnson – Board Chair
- Esi-Kilanga Bowser-Santiago
- Eugene Santiago
- Afriqiyah Woods
- Pastor Shaun Lee
- Marlon Rice
- Felicia Williams
- Maisha Hyman
- Brian Kwesi Robinson
Executive Team
- Kofi Osei Williams – Executive Director
- Yao Ababio – Founder & Artistic Director – Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater
- Rubie Inez Williams – Director of Operations / Co-Founder Asase Yaa Children Arts Camp
- Zakiya Harris – Co-Founder / Artistic Director Asase Yaa School of the Arts
- Renee K. Smith – Managing and Development Director
