It has been proven time and time again that the arts can be outstanding assets when it comes to community revitalization. Here in Jackson, we don’t have to look far to see what the arts have done for the Fondren community.

In 2001, West Jackson artist Baba RahLeeCoh founded The Ishakarah Family Healing Arts Productions, Inc. (better known as TIFHAP). One of TIFHAP’s activities is RahLeeCoh’s Summer Art Academy–an effort that offers free art lessons for West Jackson’s youth.

Here’s how you can help support TIFHAP’s teaching of artistry in West Jackson:

Tomorrow at 6 p.m., TIFHAP will host a fundraiser at the Capitol Street Fire Station, located in front of the Jackson Zoo. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to support RahLeeCoh’s Summer Art Academy.

The event will feature performances by Deanna Tisdale, Rah-Inhotep Ishakarah, Rahkua Ishakarah (RVI), J Valentine, with special guest stars Quene Lene’, Kwame Baxton, Mama Akua and Asyah J.  The entertainment for this special event includes modeling, singing, rap, poetry and other performances such as Dramatic Dialogue. While there isn’t a set cover charge, donations for the event will be accepted at the door; and for those interested in writing a check, checks can be made payable to TIFHAP, Inc.

To learn more about Baba RahLeeCoh and his wife, Akua Ishakarah, make sure to read this wonderful article by the Jackson Advocate (originally published March 2009). Also, check out the photos below of one of TIFHAP’s recent Art Academies.