Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute (HTCMLI) Rites of Passage Event Brings International African Band Mokoomba to Washington, DC

    WASHINGTON, DC, May 15, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In 1995, when the drug trade and crime flourished on U Street, Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute (HTCMLI) stood as a beacon in that darkness providing neighborhood children an out-of-school program focusing on health and wellness; and virtuous living. The mission of HTCMLI is to keep children in school and out of the juvenile justice system. To date, the institute has helped more than 2,200 children grow into strong men and women.

HTCMLI will host a unique Rites of Passage event on June 25 at the African American Civil War Museum located at 1925 Vermont Avenue, NW in Washington, DC. The event features a panel discussion with the world-class African band Mokoomba, hailing from the Chinotimba Township, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. During their youth, all six members of Mokoomba were taken from their homes to spend six months in the forest being instructed by their elders on the responsibility of becoming a man. In line with tribal tradition, the boys ranged from ages 10 to 11 when their training began. Mokoomba will discuss their experience and the effect that these rites of passage had on their lives. Following the panel discussion is an hour-long performance from Mokoomba featuring their modern take on traditional African music. With appearances in Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania, Mokoomba has toured more than 50 countries around the world.

The institute is seeking sponsors for this landmark event. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to sponsor five youth attendees to $5,000 for event sponsorship. HTCMLI Founder Rahim Muhammad explains, "Your investment will enable HTCMLI to continue this important work of exposing children to other cultures and art forms, and providing the community with high-quality performance art." For sponsorship information, please contact HTCMLI. Donations can be made directly to HTCMLI at their GoFundMe page. Admission to the panel and concert for children 13 and younger will be free. General admission is $15.

HTCMLI encourages other mentoring organizations to attend this culturally-inspired event. For more information, please contact Rahim Muhammad email us or (202) 232-2387.

About HTCMLI: Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute is a 501(c)(3) leadership development organization established in 1995 on 1351 U Street with the goal of keeping Washington, DC's vulnerable youth off the streets and educating them on how to become successful adults in our rapidly evolving world. HTCMLI achieves this goal through education of the martial art Jow Ga form of Kung Fu which teaches strength and discipline.

HTCMLI provides a cultural bridge between the Asian, African and African American communities and engages under-served youth in performance arts of Lion, Dragon and Unicorn dance and synchronized African and Chinese drumming. Over the years, the organization has taken 50 young people to compete in International Jow Ga and Lion and Dragon Competitions in Singapore and mainland China, winning gold, silver and bronze medals.

Official Website: http://jowga.org/

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