In 2006, the Saint Joseph’s Historic Foundation created a program titled “Take A Stand; Voices of Change” with El Centro Hispano, located in Durham, North Carolina. The St. Joseph’s Foundation expands on the history of the African-American and other cultures through the Hayti Heritage Center, formerly Saint Joseph’s African Methodist Episcopal Church.

St. Joseph’s educators, Dasan Ahanu and Nadeen Bir serve the Spanish community through intervention, education, and outreach programs. The Hayti Heritage Center is a nationally recognized historic landmark. The St. Joseph’s Foundation was incorporated since 1975 in an area of Durham, NC, which was formerly referred to as “Black Wall Street.”

Dasan Ahanu, SJHF facilitator, spoken word artist, and writer, strives to educate and motivate every student in his presence, particularly Hispanic Americans. Ahanu says, “I’m here because, I believe the kids needing a positive outlet for their expressions… a way to share their thoughts and ideas, and a way to do that creatively.”

Ahanu has a brilliant mind relative to vocal expression and educational vocalization. He captures audiences, whether through his spoken word performances, or via facilitating academic courses. Dasan is a founding member of the activist group, Hip Hop Against Racist War, a group that raises concerns surrounding the U.S. war with Iraq. He continues to have a great impact as an advocate for the need for cultural awareness and educational outreach program in North Carolina.

Nadeen Bir serves as Program Coordinator for St. Joseph’s Youth Leaders in Action Program, which focuses on leadership development. The program also institutes systematic programs dedicated to guiding middle and high school level Hispanic youth. St. Joseph’s teaches students how to effectively identify problems. Next the youth are taught to construct peer groups to engage in cognitive thinking strategies that will help address situations and redirect individuals away from malicious actions. SJHS’s mentors help steer Hispanic youth from crime, drugs and a number of other potentially dangerous situations. Bir says,” We just want to reiterate a change of path and to paint a better future for the Latino population.”

Nadeen is a founding advocate of the Student Action with Farmers (SAF), an organization developed to improve farming conditions. The SAF selects two-dozen bilingual college students from coast to coast each summer to help improve the conditions of over 9,000 agricultural migrant workers. SAF also focuses on Migrant Educational Programs, health assessment apparatus, and standardized OSHA safety regulations. Bir has touched the lives of the current generation of Hispanics, as well as, the generations to come.

The Foundation’s goals are to expand the cross-cultural experience, highlight cultural awareness and to enrich cultural arts education. The foundation provides theatre productions, artist, heritage rhythm dance classes, historic exhibits, spirit and cultural festivities and anchor programs that provide substantive cultural expression and enhance the community overall.

The SJHF anchor programs, such as Lydia Moore Merrick Gallery Exhibitions, Arts Quest Summer Camp, Bull Durham Blues Festival, Heritage for Arts Youth Residency Program, Kwanzaa Celebrations, Black Diaspora Film Festival and others, usually cultivate history with twists of artistry and unique appeals for all ages and economic backgrounds.