Sista Jewel Jackson the incomparable director of African Soul Dance Theater has added another feather to her beautiful headpiece, classification as a master artist, by the Ohio Arts Council.

“This is a wonderful and humbling honor for me, I guess all of my travels to African have really paid off”, reflects Sista Jewel. “I can not consider myself a master, as there is so much more for me to learn, but as an African-American, receiving this grant is truly an affirmation of being on the right track.”

No newcomer to receiving honors in her craft, Sista Jewel aptly received certification in 2001 as a cultural ambassador for 4 major ethnic groups in West Africa. This certification came on the heels of a rigorous audition that involved extensive testing in language, customs, cultures, dances, songs and rhythms.

Sista Jewel began her career as a person whose talent was distinguished even before being refined. After just 2 months of study she auditioned for a national tour and was excepted as a principle dancer. This meant that she had a lot to learn in a very short amount of time. “My fellow dancers were from all over the country. Our teachers were from Ballets National Du Senegal, we had to produce or get out of the way, I chose to produce”.

“My mentors told me very quickly that I should really stay humble and serious about the art. They said we were not doing “Ooga Booga dance”, and that all the traditions were not dead, they werer still very much alive in Africa to this day. I had so much respect for these traditions as I knew that if I was born and raised in Africa I would not want some 18 year-old disrespect my traditions. I held firm to that commitment to integrity in this art, and this is just one of the ways that t has paid off, I am very blessed.

Specifics regarding the grant amount are not available at this time.

If you would like more information on Sista Jewel or African Soul International Dance and Theater, please contact:
Michael Easterling at
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216.451.SOUL (7685)