Cultivating the Next Generation of Diaspora Folklorists
Launched in the summer of 2025, Kofago Taraji represents a bold new chapter in the Kofago Institute’s commitment to youth development, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence. Taraji, which means “hope” in Swahili, is more than a name—it’s a promise to uplift the next generation of dancers and culture bearers through rigorous training, performance opportunities, and mentorship rooted in the African Diaspora.
This year’s pilot program was made possible through a generous grant from Flushing Town Hall and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). Their support has allowed us to provide paid summer employment to a select group of talented emerging dancers, ages 18–22, who train intensively in traditional West African, Afro-Caribbean, and Diasporic forms while also learning about the historical, social, and cultural contexts that inform their work.
The Queensborough Dance Festival has been a key partner in this initiative, offering our Taraji participants a platform to share their artistry across Queens throughout the summer. Through this partnership, our dancers not only gain professional performance experience, but also connect with audiences and communities that reflect their own backgrounds and stories.
At the helm of this transformative experience is Serena Maximilien, a senior company member of the Kofago Dance Ensemble and the Program Director of Taraji. With grace, discipline, and deep cultural knowledge, Serena is leading and mentoring these young artists—many of whom are exploring formal dance training for the first time. Under her guidance, Taraji is not just a dance program—it’s a rite of passage, a launchpad, and a community.
Our vision is for Kofago Taraji to grow. This year is only the beginning. With City Council support next year, we aim to expand the number of participants, build out our instructional staff, and provide even greater access to professional development, mentorship, and community engagement.
Kofago Taraji is more than a summer program—it’s a cultural legacy in motion. It reflects our belief that investing in young artists today ensures that the traditions, stories, and values of the African Diaspora will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Hope moves with us. Taraji is here.