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Your Support Fuels Our Success!
BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving organization
Choose from any of our three funds.
Robert Crowder General Fund
Created in memory of our founder, this fund continues his legacy. Your tax-deductible donation will be directed to the area of greatest need. Your support sustains a 54-year legacy, making Kulu Mele the longest-lasting cultural group in the United States. This fund supports all our operational requirements and programs, including program support, salaries and stipends, tuition assistance for families, and every aspect of our mission.
Sponsor A Child! By sponsoring a child, you support their physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth through dance and drumming. Your contribution also funds teaching opportunities for dance educators and the children’s end-of-season performance.
Omo Kulu Mele (OKM) offers African dance and drumming classes for children ages 5-18, supporting mentorship, health, and wellness through traditional West African and Afro-Cuban dance and drum residencies, classes, and workshops. Classes run from October to June. Sponsoring a child for the year costs $1,000, including their authentically made African costume fees. Advanced students have the opportunity to perform with Kulu Mele at their annual production each November and the annual Philadelphia Odunde Festival.
Consider being a Sustainer! By becoming a sustainer, your monthly donation will ensure these transformative programs continue, allowing every child to participate regardless of background or financial status. Your support preserves and promotes the rich cultural heritage of traditional West African and Afro-Cuban dance and music, fostering community and cultural pride.
Omo Kulu Mele Fund + Sustainer
Support the Kulu Mele Summer Camp! Your tax-deductible donation helps us provide an enriching summer camp experience that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of West Africa. Our program supports the Black community by fostering a sense of belonging and unity through African dance, drumming, crafting traditional instruments, natural hair styling, and planting activities. Your contribution also funds teaching opportunities for mentors, counselors, and dance educators. Join us in empowering the next generation and preserving our vibrant traditions!
Philly Dance Conference Fund
Support the 1st Annual National African Dance and Drum Conference, hosted by Kulu Mele African Dance and Drum Ensemble in summer 2025. This three-day event will feature workshops in Traditional African Dance & Drum and AfroFusion/Hip Hop, led by skilled instructors from around the world.
The highlight will be “The Glue,” a concert production tracing an ancestral journey from Africa to Cuba and the US. This event aims to uplift the spirits in the Black community, celebrating African dance and music in Philadelphia.