<div>Every bit counts: we are raising community funds for the <strong>$2,500</strong> required for <strong>K-12 Dance Licensure Certification</strong> for Baba McDaniel Roberts, an <strong>award-winning educator</strong> and <strong>highest quality artist</strong> (griot, choreographer, performer, teacher, scholar).
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<div>The <strong>required certification</strong> is for all NC K-12 teachers to <strong>keep their annual salary</strong>, but <strong>federal scholarship funds were cut off </strong>for which Baba Mac was eligible in 2025. All funds go to his re-enrollment in the "Visions Program", UNC-Greensboro Dept. of Dance. (Full cost $6,400 for PBC licensure across 4 semesters).
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<div>Has Baba Mac inspired and motivated you or the people you love? Let's join to support Mr. Roberts' registration by Nov. 1, for January 2026 re-enrollment! Read below on <strong>how to donate</strong>,<strong> </strong>plus how Baba Mac's teaching <strong>uplifts our communities</strong> near and far.
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<div>ABOUT BABA MAC:
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<div>Baba Mac is an <strong>educator </strong>to ages<strong> 3 to 100</strong>:
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<li>...a current <strong>dance teacher of 200 children daily</strong> at a fabulous Durham, NC-based Elementary School
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<li>…a guide to dozens of <strong>community members weekly</strong> in family-oriented West African Dance classes
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<li>… a motivation to <strong>100s</strong> of college<strong> students, faculty, + dance professionals</strong> in traveling courses + academic panels annually
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<li>…an inspiration to <strong>1,000s of audience members</strong> seasonally in life-giving performances that he choreographs, tours, + griots across the state + country
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<div>Wherever Baba Mac goes, he <strong>gives of himself unconditionally </strong>with the goal to <strong>connect people</strong> to strength and faith in themselves, care for one another, and the power, beauty, history, and wisdom of African Diasporic dance, drums, and culture!
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<div><strong>HOW TO DONATE:</strong>
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<div>You can help keep ALL that Baba Mac magic going! All donation levels make a difference.
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<div>You can think of a donation in any amount <strong>going into action</strong> in these and many other ways:
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<li><strong>$30</strong> supports a family of 3 joining a community dance class for free
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<li><strong>$50</strong> supports production of a community choreography video
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<li><strong>$100</strong> supports production of a choreography video with accompanying song
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<li><strong>$250</strong> or more supports part of a free, public performance involving students, community members and artists
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<div><strong>Thank you!</strong> Mr. Roberts was shy to use GoFundMe at first—but friends insisted that together we can make a difference to contribute to future generations' love of dance and living knowledge of African cultures. <em>"Tunaweza pamoja" or "We are able together" in Swahili.</em>
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<div>Funds are needed by <strong>November 1</strong> to register for UNC-G certification courses starting January 2026.
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<div><strong>Without family money,</strong> most NC-based <strong>K-12 public educators cannot spare $2,500</strong> atop their monthly costs. No matter the challenges, Baba Mac shines brightly, so let's beam some of that light right back :)
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<div>...Bonus: Any $ raised above the goal will go to an <strong>air purifier </strong>for the classroom where Mr. Roberts teaches 200 children every day!
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<div><strong>MORE </strong>
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<div>LEARN ABOUT OUR TEACHER MR. ROBERTS / BABA MAC:
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<div><em>(In a Baba Chuck Davis voice)</em> <em>AS YOU KNOW... </em>
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<div>Baba Mac brings brings generous, expertly shared, unforgettable <strong>energy</strong> to absolutely<strong> <em>everyone</em> he teaches</strong>. He models how to <strong><em>leave it all on the stage</em></strong><em>--</em>or academic panel, community processional or official ceremony :)
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<div>&gt; PRINCIPLES
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<div>As an <strong>award-winning</strong> <strong>educator, performer, choreographer, scholar,</strong> and <strong>griot</strong>, Mr. Roberts weaves:
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<li>History + context to link learners to African, global, + local traditions + customs with each dance form
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<li>Material that is dynamic, fierce, nuanced + inspired
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<li>Methods that are encouraging + rigorous, helping participants rise to the challenge
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<li>A welcoming spirit to guide uplifting, meaningful artistic experiences that build community for all
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<div>&gt; ROLES
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<div>Baba McDaniel’s teaching is shaped by <strong>professional artistic roles </strong>as a performer, artistic co/director, co/founder and scholar, from the age of 10 and up (for 44 years now!):
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<li><em>Alayanfe Children’s Dance Co.</em> with Dr. “Baba” Chuck Davis, the <em>African American Dance Ensemble</em>, <em>Baba’s Rising Sons</em>, and the <em>Harambee Collective,</em> among others!
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<div>&gt; PARTNERS
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<div>As a Durham Arts Council <em>Emergent Artist Award</em> Recipient, Durham Public Schools finalist for <em>New Teacher of the Year</em>, Baba McDaniel has been a <strong>celebrated Griot</strong> for:
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<li>DanceAfrica Pittsburgh, ArtPlace America, ADF Dance Day, Bimbé Cultural Festival, Eno River Festival, the NAACP State Conference, and more!
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<div>Mr. Roberts’ <strong>academic leadership</strong> has graced:
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<li>Various elementary, middle + high schools, colleges + professional trainings across areas of performing arts, learning dis/abilities + special education, + community-based learning; honors including NCCU Artist in Residence, Kukusanya (Indiana University) Africanist Panel for the last 5 years, Purdue University (featured in doctoral research for Masquerade dance), and on a 21-day Asia-Pacific tour with Goldsboro’s Cultural Movement African Dance Company
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<div>Baba Mac's <strong>teaching</strong> in year-long K-12 courses, weekly classes, and touring cultural arts programs and workshops benefit:
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<li>Schools + Universities // Cultural + Arts Festivals // Academic + Professional Development Conferences // Health Systems + Hospitals // Nonprofits + Global Corporations’ Employees // Elder + Group Homes // Refugee Welcoming + Interfaith Celebrations // Official Ceremonies, Public Art + Historic Landmark Dedications // Festivals, Parades, Processionals + Touring Seasons for State, National, + Global Audiences
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<div>Let's <strong>give our flowers (and any dollars you can manage) </strong>now to celebrate our inspiring friend and teacher ~
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Support Baba Mac's teaching gifts and livelihood!

Still $2,286 to go. Help us build momentum.