Shawnta Smith-Taylor

Shawnta will facilitate a rite of passage program for young girls, called Daughters of Kush: Sacred Circle to Womanhood, which aims to educate girls ages 12-13 years old in African and African American traditions using art and cultural practices including: folkloric and liturgical dance, poetry, meditation, journal writing, music, beadwork, quilting, and culinary skills. Through Daughters of Kush Shawnta will introduce and reinforce concepts of beauty and self-care, citizenship, and the importance of reclaiming and continuing cultural traditions to counteract peer pressure and negative self-image.