News and Releases - Updates

American Award for Dominica's Ras Mo

15 Nov 06 - A member of DAAS is to be honoured in America for his work among youth in violence-prevention projects, and in developing training modules around a repertoire of original music and performance poetry that address gender, relationship, gun, and gang-related violence, drugs, HIV/AIDS, and STDs.
Delmance Ras Mo Moses has been selected by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, Connecticut, for a 2006 "Revolutionary Visionary" award. The Awards Luncheon will take place December 1, 2006 at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT.
After leaving California (where he was based for some twelve years) to continue his youth outreach programmes on the US east coast, Ras Mo performed and taught theater and music at dozens of schools and organizations. For three years, he coordinated Community Programs for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. He conceived and coordinated the first New Haven Carnival Street Parade and Carnival City.
The legendary Dominican drumming icon has brought together poets, musicians, activists, victims, survivors, parents, and youth in performance, testimonies, and discussions of violence and strategies to address violence. Through his own advocacy organization Pink & Blue, Ras Mo collaborates with neighborhood groups in the fight against violence. The Universal Arts Movement's 2006 summer program in the Hill District resulted in a memorable drama, dance, and music production, "Through our Eyes", by neighborhood youth aged 9 to 18.
The Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences is proud to congratulate Ras Mo on his latest achievements and hopes that he will soon be able to use his particular expertise in his homeland so crucially needed at this time.

(pictures available - call 245-4618)