Artist: Ms Ebony Naima
Artist Bio
A Personal Insight into My Life
Ms Ebony Naima was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. At 4 yrs old her life took a difficult turn. She lost her only parent to substance abuse and was separated from her siblings and adopted by an Aunt. As a child death was something difficult to comprehend. She often cried for her mother. The pain of not having a mother lasted into teenage years. This caused struggled depression. She found solace in the arts. Ebony danced, sang, wrote stories and poetry to name a few. The impact of being impressed in the arts a faith based programs shifted the trajectory of her life leading her towards a life of passion and purpose.
First person
In 2011 I joined the Legacy Arts Project. What I liked most about this group was learning dances from across the diaspora. In 2012 I met Mama k and joined the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble. Mama Kadioutou was so powerful and confident, that I never left. I learned dances from Guinea and surrounding countries. She was much more than a dance teacher, she was a mentor, a friend, a life coach, and leader. In 2014 to 2017 I taught at the Sankofa Village center of the arts. That was my first time teaching. I had no desired to be front and center. I was encouraged by Baba Shabaka one of the founders of the village. He would always say "you got this".
In 2017, I founded the Nia Dance Ensemble with the intention of sharing my passions with youth that may be struggling with similar issues. Through Nia, which means "purpose", I found my own confidence, and authentic style.I have a strong passion to preserve black cultural arts as well. The ensemble is a project that I began with the hopes of helping at-risk youth develop a sense of purpose, passion and confidence amongst others. The ensemble performs locally with aspirations of uplifting, inspiring and healing their community through the engagement of song, movement and the melodic rhythms of Africa.
In 2023 I was fortunate to be able to travel to Guinea West Africa, thanks to the Apprenticeship grant. It was a great experience and insight into the world of the cultural dances that I love so much. Expressive art forms were a refuge. In search of healing from my own inner turmoil I am thankful that I choose to embraced self expression. Being able to leave it all on the floor or write it out in poetry or sing it out in lyrics saved me and liberated me! I want to share this concept with the youth of today to fulfill a deeper purpose.
Mission statement
An holistic approach to preserving cultural arts from across the African diaspora. Creative expression is our main instrument to promote self-worth and communal well-being.
Vision Statement
Our aim is to develop the human comprehension of culture in practice. Beyond theory by involving revised traditional expressions connected us to the past & the future of the African Diaspora.
Target Audience
I target intergenerational audiences, primarily at risk youth. I use creative expression such as dance, song, poetry, performance and storytelling as a form of wellness, growth and liberation. My target audiences are Community organizations, schools, universities, recreation centers, gyms, domestic violence shelters, churches, parks, online platforms , and community street festivals.
Why we do this work!
Cultural immersion art is our philosophical approach in defining the healing nature of the creative experience. We develop self-worth by transferring proper historical understandings of the African diaspora. Our standardized processes are meant to nurture self-worth, confidence. and broader comprehensions. Incorporating tools to assist those who may be suffering from emotional, mental depression, and feelings of hopelessness. We value cultural arts as a means to teach sustainable life skills for those who participate in our classes, workshops or seminars. Providing them with the necessary traits needed for a sustainable healthy outlook and well- being. Our intention is to produce well rounded educational experiences by engaging all of the senses.
There are many reasons for learning arts from the diaspora and how it can assist in producing well rounded individuals. The teaching of history connects those who participate to broader understandings of how things came to be. Students learn about the trials of those from the past as a means to developing gratitude, respect, and honor. Another benefit is the expansion of cultural self-worth and high respect for human achievement. Comprehension of the accomplishments of those from the past can assist the student of today. Our educational packages encompass the continuity of African cultural expression; including drumming, dancing, storytelling, and the spoken word. Along with the African American legacy of artistic expressions through music, poetry and movement.
Our methods involve a deep love and admiration of these cultural legacies. There are a plethora of examples of how it is utilized to connect and heal those most in need. The magnitude of their work is a blueprint for our own capabilities. Finally, we lend a specific focus to those communities which are underprivileged and underserved. Combined with prioritizing new ways to instill holistic wellness in our classes, workshops and projects.
Mama k supporting members of nia
