My name is Eric Jordan, I'm the Artistic Director for The Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy , a week long art s camp where campers choose an art s workshop such as Theater, Dance, Vocal & Instrumental music , Hip Hop, Creative Writing, and Visual Arts. During the week the campers attend the workshop in which they create a performance for a final showcase at the end of the week. Students also engage in Arts & Heritage Master Classes, S TEM exercises along with being exposed to guest performers, and speakers throughout the week.
Yearly we raise money to fund the academy, the requested budget assist s in the payment of lodging, travel, meals, snacks, Camp T-Shirts, honorariums for the faculty, guest performers, speakers, field trip s , mentor/counselors, and additional expenses.
I have been involved with this camp for almost 40 years. I was a student of the camp, then became counselor for the camp, thus leading to an instructor (DIY & Hip Hop Instructor). Now I'm the Artistic D irector.
My father , who passed away two years ago had a vision of developing and assisting youth with interest in the Arts. My father 's name was Norman Jordan, he was a poet and playwright from the Black Art's Movement in Cleveland Ohio. He was born and raised partial l y in Ansted WV, and is the most published African American author in West Virginia's history. My father and I constantly talked about ideas for the academy , and without a doubt the academy was one of my father's greatest passion s .
It takes work and compassion to have a successful and meaningful week for the youth. The Academy usually occurs the second week in July. Normally, the attendance range s from 35-40campers, and their acceptance is based on their experience , desire to learn, and the funding the academy was able to secure through fund raising.
Your donation will help to maintain the camp and assist highly talented students who may not be able to attend because of financial insecurities. Please help! Please donate in an effort to help us provide our youth the best experience possible!
Thank You,
Eric Jordan
