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Black History Month: Featuring Zakiya Harris

Posted on February 11 2022

Black History Month: Featuring Zakiya Harris

Zakiya Harris was born and raised in Jamaica Queens, New York. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hampton University and her Masters degree in Dance Education from New York University. She is currently the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Asase Yaa School of the Arts in Brooklyn, NY as well as a 17 year veteran dance educator for the NYC Department of Education at Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts. She has taught thousands of students throughout New York. As a professional dancer she has performed at some of the countries most renowned theaters and has toured the United States, South Africa and Brazil. Zakiya is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and was initiated through the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter. 


What inspired you to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc?

I was inspired the most to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. by my early childhood interactions with the women of the Queens Alumnae Chapter. They were always very active in the Queens community. I always admired how they carried themselves with such class, pride and dignity. 


How has your organization contributed to Black American History?

Delta Sigma Theta has contributed greatly to Black American History.   One of Delta’s greatest contributions is our participation in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington DC on March 3, 1913. Our founders who marched for the right to vote on that day helped pave the way for African American women in politics. 


How do you hope to make history?

I hope to make history for all the impactful work that I do in the community through the arts. I want to make history by ensuring that African dance and dance from the diaspora is treated with the same reverence as other styles of dance. I want to make history for being the vessel in which our next generation of leaders are birthed, nurtured and groomed. 

1 comment

  • Ms Peachy: February 27, 2024

    BURSTING with Pride. GRATEFUL to be able to say I shared this lifetime with you. When I see this picture I see a Phenominal Woman. More than this I see this shy young girl with her Mom who joined a dance school in Rochdale and from the time she started was determined to be the Best that she could be. Thank you for giving back to our culture, community and Dance. What a Gift you are. Thanking God , your Mom and Dad every day for you ❣️

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