1. KUUMBA Saturday School ages 2 to 13

Learning through fun and discovery program.

Guest Presenters: Peruvians Musicians, African Percussionists, Storytellers, Musicians, Science Lab at UCLA,

Field Trips: Calif. Science Center, Cal. African American Museum, Museum of Natural History, Skating Rink, St. Elmo’s Village, Malibu Beach, Leimert Park (Entrepreneur Study of shop owners), Eso Won Bookstore, Organic gardening at Morningside High School, Inglewood, Pan African Film Festival (2 years), Temescal Canyon nature study

Created a line greeting cards using Adinkra symbols and themes of West Africa

Community Fundraisers/Saturday School

Gwen Gorg – The Journey of Biddie Mason Story

Concerts – Mama Byars, Tim McAfee-Lewis

AWARDS/2011

Season for Non-Violence Local Hero presented to Dr. Rickie Byars Beckwith and the KUUMBA Team for their selfless service to children of the Los Angeles Community

Parade Marshall Invitation - Central City East District (Skidrow) 2011 extended to Dr. Rickie Byars Beckwith in honor of the KUUMBA Team and their selfless service to children, parents and individuals of Skidrow

2. College For Life Seminars 2011 – LA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Our KUUMBA team designed weekly seminars for LAUSD Central High School @ Sojourner Truth campus.  A once a week 2.5-hour program sought to inspire greater joy of learning through catering to what the students loved to do.  The measurable fruits of the success of this endeavor resulted in:

1. Our Culinary Team under the direction of Chef Ricky Cryer, weekly prepared full vegan meals for students and Staff of Central High. Guidance regarding healthier food choices, food combining, and the ways to heal our bodies by eating a plant-based diet – all took place as the students prepared and served delicious and nutritious meals for all to enjoy.

2. Our Documentary Film Team under the direction of Jeff Kushner, Sound Director for both television and film. This team wrote the story and filmed the journey of a student matriculating through Central High School. They discussed honestly the fears they faced everyday in just coming to school. All the students at the close of the June 2011 session eagerly received the documentary DVD appropriately titled, “Drop the Mask”.

3. Our Social Entrepreneur Team under the direction of Rayshon Martin, created products to sell at the Open House Celebration and Awards Ceremony sponsored by the KUUMBA Foundation. Shae’Lae Shea Butter, Smile for Me Tee-Shirts were a hit for the students who were proud to make money from products that were created by their team.

4. Our Graphics Team under the direction of Stephan Muldrow and Lloyd Brown guided the students from drawings of masks (to support the DVD team) to actually producing full color graphic designs that sold at the Open House Celebration and Awards Ceremony.

5. Our Health and Wholeness Team under the direction of Estella Holeman researched and studied the professions of midwifery, massage therapy, physical therapy, dental hygiene, and nursing. Guests were provided with reflexology and hand massages at the Open House Celebration and Awards Ceremony.

Sojourner Truth 2011-2012 Field Trips: 

UCLA, HSI LAI Buddhist Temple, Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Pepperdine University, Long Beach Aquarium, Phantom Art Gallery in Long Beach CA.

In School Guest Presenters: Dr. Levi Harrison (Orthopedic Surgeon), Ray Davis (actor, singer and educator), Sabrina Johnson (professional singer and registered nurse), Benjamin Swatez (Visual Artist and Freedom Exhibit Coordinator), Dr. Mario (General Physician), Cesi Rodrigo (Professional Stylist)

3. Downtown Skidrow Street Lights Concerts in the Park

KUUMBA in collaboration with Agape Int’l Spiritual Center and St. Julian Park sponsors a concert at St. Julian Park four times a year by invitation of Mr. Wendell, the Park Manager. It has been observed by the people of Skidrow, Police Officers and the Park Manager that the Street Lights  Festival changes the whole climate in the park and the surrounding area. Most notably, drug sales cease. There have been no police arrests during our concerts which feature the very talented artists of Skidrow. KUUMBA sponsors the sound system, sound engineer and keyboards and refreshments. Musicians bring additional instrument (drums and amplifiers); Agape I AM Men’s ministry volunteers set up chairs and hang banners.

4. Let’s Plant a Tree Program 2011-2012

KUUMBA KIDS and parents in conjunction with the City of Inglewood plant trees in Los Angeles upon notification

5. KUUMBA LET THEM PLAY SUMMER ARTS CAMP 2012