Dada Rafiki: The Women Gather

Award-winning Artist/Poet Annie Ruth and the Cincinnati Arts Association present  Dada Rafiki: The Women Gather, sharing empowering stories of inspirational women in our community through music, song, drumming, dance and spoken word. During this special evening celebration attendees will experience a potpourri of interactive art forms. The event also serves as the kick-off for a 52-neighborhood outreach effort, promoting women’s empowerment. To sum it up, Dada Rafiki: The Women Gather is one of the most inspirational multicultural celebrations held at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Friday, October 19 at 7:00 PM. It’s more than an event, it’s an experience!  Doors open at 6:00 PM with a time for fellowship, Pre-show entertainment and promotional gifts for attendees.

Hosted by WLWT News Anchor Courtis Fuller. Featured artists include: New York Times award winning author and poet Sharon M. Draper, Cincinnati Opera guest soloist, Psalmist and songwriter Andrea P. Thomas, acclaimed dancer/choreographer Jacqueline McClure, BAOKU Moses, world class Afro-fusion music powerhouse. Back by popular demand are Ed Thomas & Muzic Company, serving as the house band. Annie Ruth has created original interpretive poetry called “The Women Gather”, which combines genres of dance, spiritual, hip hop, African & modern dance and spoken word, slated to debut that evening.

 2018 Dada Rafiki Honorees:

1. Deborah Mariner Allsop, Families Forward
2. Suzy DeYoung, LaSoupe Cincinnati
3. Verline Dotson, Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency
4. Prerna Gandhi, University of Cincinnati Student
5. Dr. Shelley Jefferson Hamler, The Cincinnati (OH) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated
6. Janelle S. Hocker, Nella’s Place, Inc.
7. The Rev. Paula M. Jackson, Ph.D., Church of Our Saviour/La Iglesia de Nuestro Salvador, Episcopal
8. Bo-Kyung Kim Kirby, Northern Kentucky University & The Cincinnati Opera
9. Barbara J. Lynch, New Jerusalem Baptist Church & First Ladies for Health
10. Baba Charles Miller, Baba of Honor, Drums for Peace
11. Evelyn Sears, Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board
12. Khrys Styles, K.A.S.S.I.E. Project
13. Stevie Swain, Swain Consulting, LLC & CinCWN
14. Carla Walker, Think Big Strategies, LLC