Djoli Kelen

Djoli Kelen (Jo-lee Keh-leh) is an intergenerational Metro Atlanta -based 501C(3) nonprofit organization co-founded by artists Christan Carter-Poret, Kody Kitchens, and Shannon Byrd-Crossley; incorporated in 2016. The company focuses on documenting, preserving, and highlighting the transformative power of African and African Diaspora dance, music, and culture. In the Bamana language, djoli kelen means One Blood. The organization embodies this notion of one blood in every sense of the word. The Co-Founders joined their creative talents to create this cultural and social arts collective that openly, and lovingly shares through African dance, music, history, culture, and the arts.

Djoli Kelen’s manifold mission is to 

• Preserve, honor, and educate on the legacy of those cultural icons who have shaped African cultural and performing arts in the United States

• Advance African cultural and performing arts and those of African diaspora dance, music, and culture as a means of healing, economic development, and community-building community, Cultivate and mobilize the next generation of African cultural and performing arts leaders
  

• Produce technical and creative dancers, performers, educators, and quality programs with an emphasis on transformation and leadership that incorporates common core standards, and

• Work to build a better community by strengthening and improving relationships and becoming agents of social change through the engagement of those who share and support our mission, purpose, and organizational perspectives