The Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute, founded in 1995 by native Washingtonian Abdur-Rahim Muhammad, strives to instill in its participants the character traits of self-reliance, personal responsibility and striving for excellence. It aims to foster leadership qualities while preparing the students to live meaningful lives regardless of what chosen fields they pursue. To to this, the Institute uses intense kung fu, dragon and lion dances and traditional African and Chinese drumming.
Several students have passed through the institute and credit Muhammad for making a positive impact on their lives. The institute is recognized here in DC as a guiding force for many inner-city youth as well as being recognized world-wide as one of the leading traditional martial arts organizations here in the states. Through his pursuits, Muhammad has developed a love for both traditional African and Chinese cultures.
The institute, in conjunction with “Chocolate City Rocks”, presented an evening of dance and traditional drumming at Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage Saturday evening in a tribute to the legacy of famed African-American actor and singer Paul Robeson and Robeson’s support of Africa and China. The program’s title: “Africa and China Building Bridges Through Culture and Cooperation”.
The hour long program featured drumming and a martial arts display by students of The Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute, a solo dance performance by multi-talented dancer Wuiping Yap, a performance of “Sword of the Dragon Princess” by Dragon Princess Olivia Zhang, a dance presentation by Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith, two dances showcasing the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe and an energy filled presentation of dance and traditional drumming by The Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers.
“Chocolate City Rocks” is a DC based grassroots initiative started in 2010 by Vance “Head-Roc” Levy. It aims to promote a greater public awareness of the Metropolitian DC area’s conscious and cultural artists. For further information, please visit: www.chocolatecityrocks.com.
For further information about The Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute, please visit: www.jowga.org.
