For 25 years, Asase Yaa has remained committed to empowering our community through arts and cultural education, and we couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who supported our 2nd Annual Dreams In Action Gala.
Our milestone and celebratory evening reinforced our 25th Anniversary theme, “We Strive To Thrive,” and our ongoing commitment to invest in the next generation of artists, leaders, and cultural ambassadors. We’re extremely grateful for the featured performances by our family of dance and drum ensembles including the Tiny Tots, Youth Ensemble, and African American Dance Theater, and to our Dreams In Action Excellence Award recipients.
The evening was boosted by a $25,000 donation to the Gala by Turner Construction Company, also a sponsor of our anniversary year. The Howard Gilman Foundation, which has been an ongoing supporter of Asase Yaa, also made a separate $25,000 donation to Asase Yaa’s 25th Anniversary Fundraising Initiative. They also made an additional $25,000 matching grant as well. Any new donations made by individuals or companies to the Initiative will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Gillman’s matching grant will be honored until the Initiative ends in November.
These donations contributed to us reaching 45% of our 25th Anniversary Fundraising Initiative of $500,000. All funds raised from our anniversary events will be used to support the continued expansion of Asase Yaa’s academic programming, after school initiatives, cultural arts education, performance opportunities, and scholarships for underserved youth.
We’re very excited about sharing our several forthcoming 25th Anniversary events with you in the coming weeks and months. If you’re unable to attend, please consider making a donation. Every little will help us fulfill our mission and goals.
Osei Williams
Executive Director
Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation
Enjoy a collection of images from the Dreams in Action Gala, May 12, 2026. Hover over or click the images for more info.
VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsors
Gala Host Committee
- Rubie Inez Williams – Dreams In Action Gala Committee Co-Chair
- Esi-Kilanga Bowser-Santiago – Dreams In Action Gala Committee Co-Chair
- Renee K. Smith
- Kofi Osei Williams
- Dr. Jawana Johnson
- Afriqiyah Woods
- Eugene Santiago
- Pastor Shaun Lee
- Marlon Rice
- Felicia Williams
- Maisha Hyman
- Brian Kwesi Robinson
- Nicole Greaves
- Jewel Barrow
- Lindsey Holmes
- Lemuria Alawode-El
- Nathifa Forde
- Majja Cave
- Stephanie Burns
- Sheryl Davis
- Hakeem Duncan
- Asha Akowe-Halsey
Board of Directors
- Dr. Jawana Johnson – Board Chair
- Esi-Kilanga Bowser-Santiago
- Eugene Santiago
- Afriqiyah Woods
- Pastor Shaun Lee
- Marlon Rice
- Felicia Williams
- Maisha Hyman
- Brian Kwesi Robinson
Executive Team
- Kofi Osei Williams – Executive Director
- Yao Ababio – Founder & Artistic Director – Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater
- Rubie Inez Williams – Director of Operations / Co-Founder Asase Yaa Children Arts Camp
- Zakiya Harris – Co-Founder / Artistic Director Asase Yaa School of the Arts
- Renee K. Smith – Managing and Development Director
For 25 years, Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation has evolved with imagination, agility, discipline, dedication, resourcefulness, and passion. Within its first decade, we established a popular performing company, Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, and powerful enrichment cultural arts-based educational programs. Today, the organization encompasses a robust range of programs. In addition to the African American Dance Theater, we have developed several additional core programs, Children’s Summer Arts Camp for youth 4-13, (2006) School of the Arts, (2011), Arts Outreach Program and Youth Ensemble, (2012) and the Asase Yaa Theater Company 2023). We have also hosted and produced multiple annual music, dance, and cultural events, including the Rhythms & Movements and Art Is Alive Festivals. There is a deep commitment to continue to create a positive impact through arts and cultural practices in our communities. This gala is an effort to balance its founding purpose and spirit —all of which will better support each program area of the organization that is the entirety of Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation.
As we honor our 25-year journey this year, let us be reminded of the simple, yet powerful truth: Culture moves. Art evolves. Legacy lives through people.
Kofi Osei Williams, ZAKIYA HARRIS, RUBIE INEZ WILLIAMS and Yao Ababio
Enono Anantom: Symbol Of Making An Impact
Resembling an “elephant’s foot,” Enono Anantom symbolizes the mark that one person can make on the world. People are encouraged to aspire to greatness and to have a positive impact not only in their community but also in the world at large. As an adinkra symbol, adinkra meaning farewell or goodbye in the Twi language spoken by the Ashanti/Asante people of modern-day Ghana, it motivates individuals to take meaningful action and to contribute to the betterment of the world.