Ultimately, the kids named themselves the Kuumba Kids. The Arts Council oversees the program, contracts with artists, manages communications and finances, coordinates evaluation, and raises all funds. SWAN, the neighborhood association, provides direct links to the young people and their families. SWAN is responsible for recruitment of kids and community volunteers and site identification. It also provides referrals to an array of community resources for those children who need assistance with family or school problems.
All activities are tuition-free and open to all children.
Most children have been in the seven to 11 year old age bracket. Families and neighbors accompany the young people on field trips, help with costumes and refreshments at public performances, and participate in program evaluation. The after-school program includes a transition time for snacks, homework, and visual art activity. The move has enabled us to more effectively target the 12 to15 year old age group. The original lead artists, Delores Jackson Radney and Clyde Morgan, remain in place today.