Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 5601 Montgomery Road
City: Cincinnati
State: OH
Postal Code: 45212
Main Phone: 513-221-6112
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.bi-okoto.com
Employer ID Number: 31-1440549
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3 Non-Profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/27/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Expansion of E Sin Mi D’Afrika (Come follow me to Afrika) Residency
Project Description:

“E Sin Mi d’Afrika” Residency is Bi-Okoto’s cornerstone program, designed to bridge cultural divides and enhance academic excellence over nine months, targeting grades K-12. This residency integrates African arts into students’ daily academic curriculum, addressing educational needs through multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary experiences. By linking African arts to math, literacy, history, science, critical thinking, and social skills, it fosters academic growth and cultural understanding.
The program is tailored for disadvantaged students, providing an opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and culturally. It fosters global citizenship by connecting students with African heritage, history, and artistic expression, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and enhance students’ worldviews.
Throughout the residency, Bi-Okoto will host workshops led by artists and educators from diverse African backgrounds. These workshops will engage students in music, dance, and storytelling, and each will be tailored to grade levels, ensuring age-appropriate and impactful content. Students will also explore the historical context of the art forms, enhancing their understanding of global interconnectedness.
Approximately 9,800 students will benefit from the program, with nearly all participants from Title I schools (98%) where more than 90% of students receive free or reduced lunch. The student population includes 35% African American, 30% Caucasian, 20% Hispanic/Latino, and 15% from other backgrounds. The program serves inner-city youth who often face academic challenges, lack extracurricular opportunities, and attend disadvantaged schools.

Total Project Budget: $90,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): ArtsWave; Greater Cincinnati Foundation; Ohio Arts Council; Arts Midwest; Andrew Jergens; Williams Purdy; Louise Taft Semple; Nellie Taft Semple; Dominican Sisters of Hope;; Longview Foundation

Project Duration: 09/12/2025 To: 05/22/2026
Geographical Area Served: Bi-Okoto offers various programs that attract attendees from different ages, cultures, and socioeconomic levels to provide a more robust culturally inclusive environment. We serve the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky counties – Ohio: Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren Kentucky: Boone, Campbell, Kenton.
Age Group To Be Served: K-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Funmilayo
Contact Last Name: Ajamufua
Contact Title: Programs Director
Contact Phone: 513-221-6112
Contact Email: development@bi-okoto.com