25 years…25 years…

It couldn’t have happened
Without Rev. Kodani of Senshin Buddhist Temple saying
Here, use the social hall for your dance classes and rehearsals
Little did he know it would last…25 years

It couldn’t have happened without
The scores of creative beings
Some still here and some passed on
Whose artistry brought light to the stage turning barriers into bridges

It couldn’t have happened without
The support of organizations like JANM and JACCC
Collaborations which birthed Arts and Yoga for Youth
For the kids in Upward Bound

It couldn’t have happened without
All the communities we’ve created art with
From Detroit to Boyle Heights
Sharing stories and struggles to better our world

It couldn’t have happened without
Our hard working Board of Directors and
The generous people of our community…of all colors and kinds
Whose support, wisdom, expertise and time…
We continually rely on

It couldn’t keep happening
Without managing the business behind the art
The leadership of Donna Ebata who held the fort for so many years
And the dedication of Jenni Kuida at the helm today
Guiding a small but mighty crew….Nona, Erica, Phloe, Luke
And our latest addition…

It couldn’t keep happening without our local and national funders
One in particular, the California Arts Council
Whose budget was slashed by 97%
While they voted more for prisons
Giving Californians 2.7 cents per capita for the arts
While other states average $1

Perhaps some fear what we are able to do
Allowing people to think and connect
Imagine and create a better world
Maybe if they cut us from the budget we will disappear?
25 years…25 years

I don’t think so….not with all of you out there…
Thank you all…for these 25 years