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ZENZILE FATOU PEARSON

Zenzile Fatou Pearson is a multi-talented individual hailing from the southside of Chicago, excelling as a teacher, performer, choreographer, and scholar. With over 20 years of dedicated study and a lifelong passion for African culture and folklore, Zenzile has made it her mission to synergize her scholarship, artistic expertise, and public health background to research and promote health and well-being within African-American communities. Beyond her diverse talents, Zenzile Fatou is a fervent advocate for racial equity and social justice. Leveraging her over 6 years of experience in the field, she adeptly serves as a lecturer on vital subjects like medical racism, diversity and inclusion, self-awareness, and cultural identity. Her captivating lectures continuously inspire and challenge audiences to critically assess the impact of systemic racism in their daily lives, empowering them to contribute actively to the creation of a more just and equitable society. Through her unique blend of artistic expression, scholarly pursuits, and dedication to public health, Zenzile Fatou Pearson is a true force for positive change, driving transformative action and fostering a healthier and more equitable future for all. He was a principal drummer for Sundance Productions at 12 years old. While studying and learning how to play many traditional West African instruments he also learned how to repair and build the instruments as well. His passion and skill sets have awarded him many opportunities to begin traveling at a young age with various professional performers in the country. He began studying with Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago under the leadership of world renowned director Amaniyea Payne in 1997. Through Muntu he began working with After School Matters, Gallery 37, and other organizations teaching the youth in inner city schools. For the last ten years he has been teaching at Libby Elementary School and now partners with Changing World doing seminars and teaching inner city youth. Over the last 20 years Idris has expanded his studies of various forms of traditional music from the African diaspora. Idris travels to Brazil, Senegal, Gambia, Colombia, Cuba, Barbados, and Mexico frequently to train, study, and constantly immerse himself in the culture. He currently serves as the Associate Artistic Director of Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago. His desire is to educate and enlighten children in the Chicago inner city by exposing them to the many contributions that people of the African diaspora have made to the world through dance, music, and other art forms.

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