Funding Request: A 20-year old performing arts institution needs $17,500 for operating expenses, vehicle repair and facility improvements for our 2015/2016 after-school program for Washington, DC residents, 6-12 years of age.
Budget: Facilities Maintenance & Repair: $5,000. Architectural designs for studio renovation for better use of space = $1,250; Performance equipment purchase and repair = $4,250; Repairs to donated vehicle used to transport equipment to performances and in and out of storage as needed = $3,500; Lighting for exterior of building to showcase mural $1,000; New exterior signage $2,500
Our Challenge: To maintain our studio space in a rapidly developing and popular living and recreation destination with roots in historic performing arts success, in the nation's capital.
Mission: “African and Chinese Traditional Cultural Arts of kung fu, lion and dragon dance, and drumming train participants in strength, self-reliance, personal responsibility, and excellence as a means to prepare them to live a meaningful life.
VISION: HTCMLI has staying power because of it's support among city leaders and community participants, and as a result has become the region’s leading center of excellence for youth development. HTCMLI is entering a more mature phase to compete with monied interests that are less interested in arts and more interested in land development.
History: The Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute was founded in 1995 by Abdur-Rahim Muhammad a native Washingtonian. President Muhammad opened the Institute at 1351 U St. NW at a time when many home owners and businesses were hesitant to invest in the area and began teaching children few thought worthy of their attention. He trained these children and sponsored their trips (over 50 local children and youth) to competitions in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Mainland China and they returned home as kung fu champions holding numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals for their efforts and huge boosts to their pride and self-esteem. The Institute is recognized worldwide as one of the leading traditional martial arts organizations in the United States. “The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and supports the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute and in celebration of this milestone declares November 3, 2009, as the “Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute's Lion Dance and Kung Fu Champions Recognition Day” in the District of Columbia.”
The Leadership Institute produces the annual Paul Robeson "Here I Stand" Award Gala at the Lincoln Theater featuring world class entertainers and scholars such as Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, Paul Robeson Jr., Dick Gregory, Dr. John Hope Franklin, Judith Jamison, Rita Moreno, Spike Lee, and hip hop legends “Common” and Chuck D of Public Enemy the hip hop group recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Institute has been providing health support for DC children since 1995 and nutrition support as well as music and athletic training since 2007.
The Leadership Institute has provided children and older youth with an after- school program 5 days per week, Saturday morning and afternoon classes, full day summer camps for 50 children, performance opportunities at the Verizon Center during half time for Washington Mystics, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theatre, Black Cat Nightclub, H Street Festival, Fiesta Asia, Funk Parade, and nearly 100 additional events around the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
The Leadership Institute has implemented a strategic framework which revolves around our integrated core values of Diversity, Creativity, Unity, Activism, Trust, Tolerance, Authenticity and Accountability. We utilize an asset based approach and shun the punitive. We focus on strengths and positive outcomes; youth voice and engagement; strategies that include all youth including those with physical and emotional challenges; community involvement and collaboration; strive to build long term commitments. Training at Hung Tao Choy Mei is “Preparation for Living a Meaningful Life.”