Hardcore Detroit

Hardcore Detroit was founded by Haleem “Stringz” Rasul Ar-Rasheed, a graduate of Western Michigan University and Detroit native. Rasul’s passion for dance, particularly hip hop, sprouted at an early age as he found an outlet to express his creativity while experiencing unique challenges in his early life. As an acknowledgment of the success he achieved after overcoming his hardships, Rasul titled his dance company after the mantra he used as motivation throughout his life: “hardcore”. 

Hardcore Detroit has gained national and international attention, as Rasul has preformed and had workshops around the country and world. Rightfully so, Rasul has been titled the dance ambassador of Detroit, known for his expertise in several styles of dance from house dancing to a Detroit cultural style known as jit.

Seydi

Fatou-Seydi Sarr, known as Seydi, is a woman of many talents and accomplishments. Originally from Senegal and now living in Detroit, Seydi occupies her time being founder of the non-profit titled ABISA (African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs), and co-instructor of an African dance class in downtown Detroit. ABISA aims to help African and Black immigrants in metro Detroit in their access to resources, understanding of their rights in America, and become better civically situated in the United States. 

Social justice work can be tiring, though, and Seydi releases her energy as a co-instructor of a weekly African dance class in downtown Detroit. Seydi, among other women, teach a less traditional version of West African dance in preparation for an annual show that is held to showcase the routine the participants have been taught. Seydi started her dancing career in 2015, and has been holding classes every since.

Bayan

Bayan Founas is an Algerian-American writer, spoken word performer, youth mentor, and educator in Detroit. Founas graduated from University of Michigan in 2014 with a degree in Women’s studies, and manifests her passions through the many titles she possesses. Founas expresses her identity as an Algerian-American through her poetry, particularly in her book “Diary of a Daughter in Diaspora” that compiles her experiences over the span of four years.

Founas is also passionate about pursuing educational reform in predominantly poor communities of color, and does her part by teaching and mentoring students in these communities. 

Lu Fuki

Lu Fuki and Divine Providence is a musical group of six members who come together to form a unique sound that audience members of all backgrounds can connect to. Lu Fuki and Tazin Ayub are the main guitarists of the group and performed together before forming the collective. The group aims to make music that touches the emotions of the audience (not just their ears) and takes its listeners on a spiritual journey that will leave them joyful and inspired. Lu Fuki and Divide Providence perform with a mix of sounds from several cultures to encourage their audience to establish a deeper connection with their music.

Lu Fuki, pictured in the center with an encased guitar, decided on the name Divine Providence in reference to the spiritual act of music, where you have the ability to connect to something greater than yourself by listening to and creating music. The band name also refers to the idea that everything happens due to a greater will, and the easy, natural formation of Divine Providence indicates that it had to be planned by something greater.