Ko-Thi Needs You Now More Than Ever

For 56 years, Ko-Thi Dance Company has been a pillar of healing, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence. We have served over 1 million children through our performances, residencies, and arts education programs. Through movement and music, we have uplifted our community and inspired pride, creativity, and healing.

But today, we face an unprecedented challenge.

The Federal Government has withdrawn Ko-Thi’s funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) — not because our work lacked merit, but because it no longer aligns with a newly redirected list of federal priorities. In their words:

“The NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities. The NEA will now prioritize projects that elevate the Nation's HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions, celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI competency, empower houses of worship to serve communities, assist with disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs, make America healthy again, support the military and veterans, support Tribal communities, make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful, and support the economic development of Asian American communities. Funding is being allocated in a new direction in furtherance of the Administration's agenda.”

Our art — rooted in African heritage — was deemed outside of the "new direction" of federal funding.

This sudden loss has forced us to cancel the remainder of our Ngoma concert series and puts the future of Ko-Thi Dance Company in serious jeopardy.

But we are not giving up.

We are calling on you — our community, our audience, our village — to stand with us in this moment. We’re launching a grassroots campaign to raise $100,000 to sustain our work, protect our legacy, and ensure our programs reach the next generation of young people.

We’re asking 2,000 people to commit to giving $56 for 12 months — in honor of our 56th year. Your support will help us not just survive but continue to thrive. Want to donate in person? Meet members of our Board of Directors at Juneteenth at the WNOV booth where you can drop-off donations in-person

If Ko-Thi has ever moved you, inspired you, or made you feel seen — please donate and share your story with us.

$56 for 56th

By Ko-Thi Dance Company

$56 for 56th

Ko-Thi Dance Company

Team Members