GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR THE ARTS 2004

Reuben Salters

Reuben Salters of Dover is the Director of the Inner-City Cultural League, a youth educator, and founder of Sankofa African Dancers and Drummers. Over 15 years ago, Mr. Salters formed the Inner City Cultural League bringing viable artistic and cultural programs to Kent County. With strong local support and the partnership of a local percussionist, he then started Neighborhood Drums—a program for boys ages 8-18. The sensation spread and soon young girls joined. The program grew as minority communities became increasingly involved and it evolved to become the Sankofa Dance and Drum Company. Sankofa stands for “Return to your roots and fetch the best of your artistic, cultural, and historical past. Apply the best principles of your past and make your life's development more meaningful.

"More than 300 youth have participated in Sankofa since its inception. The purpose of the program is to build character and good citizenship through the arts. When asked why he readily gives so much of himself to his community, Mr. Salters responded, “I guess I've noticed how much sacrifice other folks make for others. There's potential in every person and in every child. Through the arts you can let the child excel, see them grow. I am motivated by their growth…from seeing them emerge from NOT having knowledge of the arts to GROWING because of the arts.”

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