Danita Rountree Green returns for another season as the trauma-informed theater/linguistic artist in residence. She is also known as Satiafa and the Broom Lady. Using the Art of Storytelling, she works to change the fractured American narrative into a story of inclusive and harmonic exchange. As a stage and film actor, she fell in love with words, learning how the pen and a prayer can change things. Danita and guest artists are teaching The Art of Storytelling Through Theatre with youth from the region. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their talent during the summit while giving voice to their thoughts on race, culture and poverty.
Kevin Lamar Jones is a Richmond, Virginia based dance artist and choreographer. As the artistic director of Claves Unidos, he endeavors to connect people through dance with an emphasis on celebrating the contributions of dance and arts from the African diaspora to the world. Kevin Lamar Jones and members of Claves Unidos will inspire members of the community to participate in "Claves Unidos and You" a dance and movement initiative at the Petersburg YMCA on Saturdays beginning in July. Bring your most comfortable shoes and your partner, friend, neighbor, parent, or just yourself and come out and learn all different types of steps. Classes are free and open to the public and are being held as a part of the Beyond ACEs Summit to help the community build resilience through this art form. Some community dance will be showcased at the Beyond ACEs Summit and Hope Fest on August 8 & 9 at the Petersburg High School. To learn more about Claves Unidos' free classes at the Y, and your opportunity to perform, contact the YMCA at 804-733-9333.
DeVante Raines is the musical resident artist for the Beyond ACEs
initiative. Every community and church, or organization within the
region is invited to participate in the Sankofa Mass Choir under his
direction. Singers will pay homage to the African diaspora as they look
back to move forward and commemorate the 400th year anniversary of the
arrival of enslaved Africans here in America on August 8 & 9 at the
Beyond ACEs, Building Community Resilience Summit and Hope Fest at the
Petersburg High School. "Regardless of age, or ethnicity, I look
forward to working with each and every one of you personally." DeVante
is a native of Petersburg, VA and a 2018 graduate of Virginia State
University. His Bachelor's Degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies with
a minor in Community Based Education. His love of God, and passion for
music, has opened many doors of opportunity for him to serve at various
churches in Petersburg and the Tri-City areas. In all that DeVante
pursues, he keeps this scripture at heart: "Not by might nor by power,
but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6). If you are
interested in singing, please contact DeVante Raines at 434-637-0523, or
devanteraines@gmail.com
A voice for this present age! Ms. Tamika Patton joins the artistic forces of music to list a song and teach the community!
The power, range and articulation...EXCELLENT! The passion, poise and presentation...EXQUISITE! The anointing... from God alone! Tamika Patton, National recording artist, actress and Philly native is very busy these days; celebrating the release of her latest single, "I Love to Praise"! "I Love to Praise" is a feel good track that you can't help but move to, with sound lyrics that remind you why God is worthy of our praise! Tamika's previous radio single "Grace & Mercy" featuring Early Bynum charted in Billboard's Top 100 for several months, with significant airplay and has made the Billboard "Most Added" and "New & Active" lists multiple times. Tamika has appeared on Bobby Jones Presents, Atlanta LIVE and was selected as 2nd place overall and the only soloist to place in the first ever Stellar Awards Independent Artist Showcase in Las Vegas 2018.
Tamika Patton has worked with some of the most influential names in the industry, the legendary Patti LaBelle, who handpicked her as a background vocalist and has shared the stage across musical genres with Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, Kirk Whalum, Yolanda Adams, Jekalyn Carr, Tim Bowman, Tye Tribbett, Earl Bynum, Kurt Carr, and numerous others. Tamika was voted "Best Inspirational Singer in America" by Radio One and has toured nationally and abroad to rave reviews in Japan, Korea, Europe, the Bahamas and Bermuda.
Further extending her artistic experience, Tamika loves musical theatre and has portrayed the "Queen of Gospel," Mahalia Jackson, co-starring with multi-award winning actress Loretta Devine and James Pickens of Grey's Anatomy. She has performed extensive principal roles in productions by national playwright, film director and author Don B. Welch and Broadway performer, director and choreographer Otis Sallid. You may remember her lush vocals from her previous radio friendly offerings, the Inspirational Anthem: "God Won't Let Me Fail", and the heartfelt "More Than Faithful" written and produced by James Fortune; featured on CoCo Brother & Kerry Douglas Presents: Gospel Mix V. Tamika Patton is the essence of passionate worship and artistic sincerity. Her arms remain outstretched for you to feel the warmth of her musical embrace...
