We welcome individuals of all ages to join us in a jubilant commemoration of freedom and African American culture!
Activities include:
Poetry and digital storytelling workshop led by Quinta Felton. Students will write and construct their own poems, to create a digital representation of their work through the free online coding program Scratch,
Tribal Body Paint with artist Shanice Figeroux, offering Adinkra tribal symbols inspired by the Bono people of Ghana
Drum & Dance workshop with Fanike! African Dance Troupe at 3pm.
Reiki to practice self-care through learning from Reiki Master Teacher Erica Thomas Collier!
This program is supported, in part, by Science Sandbox, Matisse Foundation, AT&T, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Queens, New York State Council on the Arts, Queens Borough President, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the city council.
About the Artists:
Quinta Felton (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer, creative consultant, and teaching artist passionate about STEAM Enrichment and Digital Storytelling. A graduate of Brooklyn College, Quinta has continued to teach a variety of remote classes on the Digital Arts. Quinta has worked with PLAY PATTERN since June 2020 as both a Creative and Curriculum Development consultant. Quinta has played an important role in constructing project-based lesson plans meant to promote student engagement and tech literacy. In addition, Quinta has taken part in administrative outreach efforts to bring on-going STEAM programming to community schools and organizations throughout the New York/New Jersey Areas. Above all, Quinta is dedicated to carving space for BIPOC and Queer perspectives within their own teaching ideologies, highlighting the importance of a truly equitable education.
Shanice Figeroux is a self taught artist born in Queens. She works in multiple mediums including painting and spray painting and is known for her custom murals and clothing design. She has painted numerous murals for local businesses throughout NYC and has received multiple grants, commissions, and contracts with nonprofit organizations. Figeroux hopes that her use of color and abstract expression allows beautiful feelings to pour out into communities and reflect memories, events, and emotions.
Queensboro Dance Festival presents Fanike! African Dance Troupe, based in Springfield Gardens. Queensboro Dance Festival is currently touring Queens with performances and events featuring the diversity of Queens dance cultures & styles. Visit them at www.queensborodancefestival.com
Erica Thomas Collier (she/her) is a Reiki Master Teacher who was bestowed the gift of Reiki from her mother more than ten years ago. As a multi-generational community healer, her eight year old daughter has been Reiki Level 1 for over three years. Erica has conducted workshops/classes for babies, parents and everyone in between. Erica also worked on healing touch through Reiki at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Oncology Outpatient. She brought the Essence of Meditation with Pure Essential Oils encompassing healing through the senses. Erica is also a Wellness Advocate and certified AromaTouch Practitioner. Through her company, Billy’s Light Inc. Current clients are fellow entrepreneurs in the fields of health, wellness, social justice, advocacy, policy and the arts.