For 29 years, Ashanti Cultural Arts and Enrichment has pro-vided a variety of programs to enrich lives through instruction in dance, music, drama, theatre, and rhythmic drumming throughout South Florida. Linda Jones, founder, was recently awarded a Proclamation from the City of Pompano Beach, recognizing the 29th anniversary, and the accomplishments of Ashanti Cultural Arts. Jones, a resident of Pompano Beach, says, “I am proud of the success of the program, but more importantly I am proud of what the students do and achieve individually and as a group.”
Youth and adults participating in this program have performed throughout Broward County to various audiences. Ashanti also notes that it is the first diverse youth organization to perform at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Through funding by the Jim Moran Foundation, The North Broward Chapter of the Links and The Community Foundation of Broward, Ashanti sponsored the Peer Power Arts & Literacy after school program at the Jan Moran Library, which is among the many services Ashanti provides.
Being a part of Ashanti, participants get the opportunity to travel yearly to New York to spend a week taking classes at the prestigious Alvin Ailey Camp, the oldest diverse organization of its kind. After long days of dancing and classes, students toured New York and experienced its arts and cultural life.
Ashanti was named Arts Organization of the Year, and has produced students that have become productive citizens with prominent careers.
While this 29th year has seen Ashanti’s traditional presentation of the Chocolate Nutcracker, class-es, community workshops and recitals, Jones is looking forward to new and exciting additions as the 30th Anniversary celebration approaches.
When asked why she founded Ashanti 29 years ago, Jones’ response was emphatic, “No child or Adult should be without an opportunity to participate in the Arts.” As her new venture began, almost three decades ago, she carefully chose a name for her organization, finding the perfect fit because the name Ashanti is a royal West African Tribe known for its cultural richness and diversity. If you would like more information on the classes and programs of Ashanti Cultural Arts and Enrichment, go to www.ashanticulturalarts.org
