Urban Islanders

Season 2 Episode 4: Nashid Ali on Kofi Jamoriah


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Sydnie Schwarz, an Urban Islanders guest interviewee and Swarthmore College student interviews Nashid Ali and Zakiyyah Ali on Kofi Jamoriah, a revered Philadelphia drummer.

Jamal Dickerson and Steve Jackson - Drummers from Unity Community Center
Website: www.unitycommunity.com

Organization mission:  Unity Community Center of S.J. Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes, preserves and represents the performing arts, literary arts, visual and creative arts, history and culture.  We offer a variety of arts and arts related training programs to youth, young adults and the community.  We also specialize in developmental, discipline and music programs particularly for young people at risk, in order to instill in them an appreciation for the arts, respect for life and the love of humanity.  These programs will build character, artistic skills and improve their academic and life skills.  This will also allow the students to experience the performing arts through developmental, discipline, educational and recreational programs.

Nashid Ali - Drummer and Storyteller

Nashid is storyteller, jeweler, musician and teaching artist working with families and communities through community arts and culture institutions such as Art Sanctuary/ Village of the Arts/Al~Bustan Seeds of Culture/Odunde Foundation and others. He is a Philadelphia Clef Club volunteer, serves on Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation, is a life member of Keepers of The Culture (KOTC) and Philadelphia’s Afro Centric Storytelling Group, and has worked as an children’s advocate through a now defunct oldest Black Foster Care Agency in the nation called Children’s Service, Incorporated, where he helped establish the H.O.P.E. Family Center.  Nashid is also involved in the Peacemakers of Mill Creek, West Philadelphia, and makes metal jewelry wearable art upon request.

Additionally, Nashid is an advocate for community peace and co-founder of D.R.O.P. S.Q.U.A.D. 99 Art Ensemble for Peace and communicates (in conjunction with Brother Shomari) in group discussions directly with State Correctional Institution Inmates on the social and psychological dynamic and impacts of reentry. Finally, Nashid chaired West Philadelphia Empowerment Zone (WPEZ) Health and Human Development Committee.

Music: 

Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/
Drumming recordings taken from various events

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Urban IslandersBy Zakiyyah Ali