Short Summary
My name is Elvie Schooley. I have a Masters degree in social work administration/nonprofit development. In 2004 West African drum and dance changed my life. This art form has provided me with an avenue of positive connection to my ancestral heritage.
In 2015 I created DRUM the Program as a teaching platform to share my passion. We provide a service of art experience that builds self-esteem, cultural diversity awareness, and community.
The original Congo Square took place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Congo Square is now known as Louis Armstrong Park. It was the first gathering space in the United States that celebrated and hosted diverse cultures. Recreating Congo Square with an intention for celebrating cultural diversity will bring together the communities surrounding the Vortex theater. We believe that engaging in indigenous art forms provide a space for individuals to grow, increase understanding, and participate in community.
Each day of this free event will offer drum class, a journey in history, entertainment, and audience participation. The goal is for audience members to walk away with inspiration to engage in diverse cultural experiences that create bridges to building community. This outcome will in-turn support indigenous art programs and expand the awareness of the participant.
What We Need & What You Get
Join us in raising $4000. This campaign will provide financial support to meet the budgetary requirements of presenting Congo Square. Funds will go to pay performing groups, provide for video documentation, and support future Congo Square events.
Cool perks include:
- DRUM the Program t-shirts. The front of the shirt sports the DRUM the Program logo. The back of the shirt contains a line from our positive affirmation “My Culture Is Unique.”
- Original stain glass piece.
- Bogolan African fabric and leather handbags
- Hand carved African mask imported from Guinea West Africa.
All funds will support performing artist, video documentation, and future Congo Square events.
The Impact
We are inundated daily through the media with images and messages that speak to a lack of value for others because they are different in some way than the majority in power. This type of propaganda serves to de-sensitizes us to the suffering experienced by the victim. Within our country we have a history of human atrocities that have never been spoken too. Even our education system has been redesigned to not teach the truth of our history. But, if we are to grow as a conscious living breeding society we must teach about the past and educate our youth on how not to re-create a future civilization that has grown numb to the sight of human atrocities.
We advocate that the engagement in diverse cultural experiences will broaden the mind and consciousness of participants. All cultures hold the constructs of identity. Components such as, language, music, dance, style of dress, and family traditions are found inside of every culture. When we reach to explore and experience diverse cultures we grow in our awareness and humanity.
Congo Square is a cultural event that offers education through the experience of folk art. This event will showcase four indigenous communities. Participants will walk away spiritually uplifted, and inspired to engage and explore diverse cultures. Indigenous arts hold the history, and build community through providing enriched human experiences.
Risks & Challenges
Challenges with this type of project are with management and organization. My approach to this event is to empower my Project Manager Princess Jenkins with the responsibility of logistical oversight. Her tasks will be to coordinate the flow of the public and artisan market. My responsibilities will include masters of ceremony and tell the history of Congo Square as it is connected each indigenous group. Other support with this event will be provided by members of the Vortex staff.
Other Ways You Can Help
I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to share my love and knowledge of the benefits to engaging in cultural diversity and how it impacts awareness. I am also thankful to each of you who have taken the time to read and support this event.
The true success of this project is not just in reaching our financial goal but, it is in the lives that stand to be impacted by the experience. If you find value in what we have shared with you, then share this with others. Email the Indiegogo link to your family and friends. Use the Indiegogo share tools. Post this to you FaceBook, use the hash tag #CongoSquareATX on twitter, and promote on social media inviting others to support. Come to the Congo Square event and share this magical space with us.
