UNITY COMMUNITY CENTER - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Executive Secretary
• Treasurer

Their oldest daughter, Atiya is a graduate of Camden County Vocational School with high academic achievements. Atiya majored in Cosmetology and is the manger operator and owner now of the family business, founded and owned by mother Wanda A. Dickerson- Jana's Unique Hair Salon & https://janasacademy.com in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Atiya is married to DWAYNE JOHNSON and were blessed with two lovely daughters Dayanna, Anisah and one son Dwayne (DJ).

Job Titles:

• Executive Director
• Founder

Brother Robert H. Dickerson, the founder, along with his wife Wanda is the creator and C.E.O of the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble, at the Unity Community Center of S.J. Inc., headquartered in Camden, New Jersey which he also created and started in 1983. Mr. Dickerson, a 9th Degree Grand Master Black Belt, has been training, practicing and studying the Martial Arts (Karate) and Boxing since 1968 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a recognized professor of the Martial Arts, author and a teacher who specialize in programs that develop self-discipline and moral character for the community, especially the youth. He has been studying and became a historian, writer and researcher of the African-American experience in America since 1968. Mr. Dickerson created The World Champion UPK Pasha Generals, who specializes in close order discipline military-style drilling. The purpose of the UPK Pasha Generals is to serve as a model of what young people can achieve if they understand the principles of love and discipline. Since 1968 as a young teenager has been a member of African-American organizations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dedicated to helping and teaching at-risk or inner-city youth and the community the Martial Arts (Karate) and African-American History. In the late 1960's he was a leader and President of Black History programs in High School, and carried his leadership skills in the communities of Darby and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He strives very hard to be a positive role-model and a righteous contributor in uplifting humanity for his family and community. From his life experiences in religions, he has learned the universal approach to truly uplifting humanity and has taught his students the value of working with and understanding all people's ways of life. His ultimate goal is a universal and spiritual approach of LOVE and DISCIPLINE to continue the beauty of uplifting humanity while at the same time teaching African American's their roots, pride and the history of the African Diaspora. Mr. Dickerson, a PERFORMING and CULTURAL ARTS HISTORIAN, advocate and cultural activist who loves history and specializes in the collection of historical information, literature, tapes, photos, audio and video education of African-American leaders and organizations. He continues to teach the young people the value of living, loving, and respecting their culture, family, community and of course African-American leaders who have made great accomplishments in helping the Community, America and the World. Since 1983, Mr. Dickerson has instituted in his African Dance & Drum classes as well as the Martial Arts (Karate) classes, the reciting, practicing and living the NGUZO SABA (The Seven Principles) founded by the creator of KWANZAA, Dr. Maulana Karenga. It is a joy to hear children ages one to our elders over 70 years recite the seven principles after every class. Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). In July of 2007 Robert and Wanda Dickerson were given their beautiful African names from Dr. Maulana Karenga while attending the Kawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies 30th Annual Seminar in Los Angeles, California. Robert was given the name Mshujaa (Warrior) and Wanda's name Mpaiji (Generous one). Mr. Robert Dickerson has received many awards and accolades from World Renowned Historians, Scholars, World Leaders, Senators, Governors, Freeholders, Mayors, City Councils, Educators, Religious, Business and Community Organizations. Robert and his wife, Wanda Dickerson, has been together since 1973 after meeting at their Karate School in Philadelphia, Pa., under their Grandmaster Karate teacher, Mr. Alfred Dennis, a.k.a. Grandmaster Ameer. They got married September 26, 1975, and blessed raising their wonderful two sons (Jamal and Nasir) and two daughters (Atiya and Ayanna) and blessed with fifteen Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren.. Together they have developed a safe haven for our youth in the Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. They have also produced one of the best performing arts organizations in the United States of America. Robert Dickerson, a 9th Degree Grand Master Black Belt, has been training and studying the Martial Arts (Karate) since 1968. Mr. Dickerson a recognized professor of the Martial Arts, author and a teacher who specialize in programs that develops self-discipline, moral character, cultural awareness and cultural pride. Since 1968, at a young age of 14, he has been a youth leader in church and a member of African-American organizations dedicated to helping and uplifting the condition of communities, especially young people in the inner cities of the United States of America. He has been studying and became a historian, writer and researcher of the African-American experience in America since 1968. With five years of electronic education, he also developed a career as an electronic technician/engineer since 1972. Mr. Dickerson grew up in Darby and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He started Martial Arts training in 1968. He is most accredited for studying the Martial Arts of Kyokushinkai (Japanese Art) in 1971, when he met Mr. Alfred Dennis, a.k.a. Grandmaster Ameer, a great Judo, Aikido, and a Kyokushinkai Karate Master in North Philadelphia. He diligently trained under Grandmaster Ameer, earning his 1st degree black belt on August 25, 1974. He assisted Grandmaster Ameer in teaching at many inner-city housing projects throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 1974 to 1985. Mr. Dickerson, a highly skilled BOXER out of the 23rd & Columbia (Cecil B. Moore) Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PAL Boxing Gym in the early 1970's, was trained by two elder boxing coaches whom Mr. Dickerson knew as Mr. Pete and Mr. Jappie and of course his main Boxing teacher, the legendary Gordon Dickerson, better known as Brother FLASH. He trained everyday at the Boxing Gym in North Philadelphia and then would go straight to Grandmaster Ameer's Karate School, also in North Philadelphia to train in Karate. One of his greatest moments in his boxing career was when he won the Joe Frazier Silver Gloves in the middle weight division at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, Pa. on March 27, 1975, which he received awards and press articles in the Philadelphia Daily News and other newspapers. In September of 1975 he married Wanda Johnson of North Philadelphia and moved to Camden, New Jersey. Out of this union they were bless to have four children, Jamal, Nasir, Atiya and Ayanna, fifteen Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren. In 1983 Mr. Dickerson founded a non-profit organization called the Unity Community Center of South Jersey Inc., at 1544 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Camden, New Jersey. The Unity Community Center is the parent organization to all of its performing arts programs. In 1984, he began teaching Community Development Programs, African-American History, Dance, Drum and the Martial Arts (Karate), Boxing and Kick-Boxing to the residents of Camden, New Jersey, South Jersey and Philadelphia, Pa., through his karate school known as the Universal Pasha Karate (UPK) School and the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble.

Job Titles:

• Byheijja Sabree - Director of Marketing

Job Titles:

• West African Traditionalist Master Dance & Drum Teacher, Artistic Director & Choreographer

Universal African Dance And Drum Ensemble is honored to have superb traditional dance and drum from our African teachers from Guinea ( West Africa), Moussa and his sister Tenenfig. Djeli Moussa Diabate has been one of the finest dancers with the National Ballets of Guinea (Africa) and was artistic director for National Ballet Silimbo of Senegal for many years. He is a master dancer, drummer and musician and has toured Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S.A. He also performed on Broadway (New York City), at Yale Repertory Theater and at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Moussa is the son of the Chief of the Djelis, El Hadj Komba Ansou Diabate of Conakry, Guinea in West Africa. El Hadj Komba Ansou Diabate for more than 35 years was a founding member of the National Instrumental Ensemble and composer of the Guinea National Anthem. Moussa is also a Griot from the great lineage of the Diabate Family from the Malinke people of Guinea, West Africa. Moussa was taught the dance, music, storytelling, history and mythology of West Africa by his father, Komba Ansou Diabate, the "Great Griot of Guinea", and his mother, one of the first premiere dancer with Les Ballets Africains. Moussa has trained and toured with the National Ballet Djoliba and the National Theatre of Dakar's Ballet Silimbo. A former lead dancer for the Troupe Federale de Conakry III National Ballet of Guinea, Moussa has been a dancer all his life. Moussa came to the United States teaching traditional performing arts and worked on Broadway in George C. Wolfe's production of The Tempest and worked as assistant choreographer and consultant for Savion Glover's hit show, "Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk." His life and membership with the great ballets of Guinea, such as Les Ballet Africain has made him one of the most respected teachers in the world. Since 1987 Mr. Diabate has choreographed, performed, lectured and taught extensively in the U.S., Japan, France and West Africa. He is the founder and artistic director of Djely Kunda West African Dance Company. Moussa currently maintains residency in Dallas, Texas. One of Moussa's favorite students is JAMAL P. DICKERSON, who is the chief choreographer and artistic director of the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble in Camden, New Jersey (USA). Jamal has been a dedicated student under Moussa Diabate since 1999. * Djeli, is a messenger of the African tradition. He or she is a historian, a teacher, and adviser and sometimes a healer, who strongly influences African Arts and Culture. As the author "Amadou Hampate Ba" wrote: "when a Djeli is dying, it's like a library is burning."

Job Titles:

• Founder Dancer With Fodeba Keita 's "Les Ballets Africanis", National Ballet of Guinea

Job Titles:

• Director & Teacher of the Little Jazz Giants

Hassan Sabree raised in Camden, New Jersey and attended Camden Public Schools and graduated from Camden High School in 1995 with high academic achievements and especially in music. He graduated from Morgan State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University 2010. Hassan started his musical career in elementary school playing the trumpet. In 1987 Hassan joined the Unity Community Center's Martial Arts (Karate) program and was very dedicated, receiving his Black Belt November 10, 1990. Hassan has won many local, national and world championships at Martial Art Tournaments all over America. He won thousands of trophies and awards and today he is a 5th Degree Master Black Belt. During this time Hassan was also a member in all of the Unity Community Center's programs. He grew to become a teacher, leader, director and a great performer in all of the performing art programs such as the Universal Pasha Karate School, World Champion UPK Pasha Generals, Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, Deans, UCC Royal Brass Band, UCC Little Jazz Giants and all of the Music Programs. Hassan is currently a School Teacher and Musical Director in the Camden Public Schools. He is a wonderful role model, mentor, teacher and a family man married to his lovely wife Byheijja October 11, 2003 and blessed with 5 beautiful children (Amina, Naimah, Hassan II, Saleema, Maanami and Fatoumata). At a very young age Hassan and his musical friend's Jamal and Nasir Dickerson and others in the Unity Community Center's UCC Music programs were the original UCC Little Jazz Giants. Since 1987 at the young age of 11, Hassan, Jamal and other talented young musicians paved the way for others. These young musicians were highlighted at many community events in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas sponsored by the Unity Community Center in Camden, New Jersey and other organizations. Photo to your left was a bill board advertisement posted all over the State of New Jersey by NJEA (New Jersey Education Association) with Hassan promoting the importance of education. Hassan is also considered one of the most accomplished school teachers in New Jersey.

Job Titles:

• Chief
• Artistic Director & Chief Choreographer of Our Music Programs and Our Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble
• Band Leader
• Teacher and Music Director for the Subito Sounds

Jamal Dickerson received the 2007 MILKEN FAMILY FOUNDATION NATIONAL EDUCATOR AWARD on October 11, 2007. This award considered as the Oscar of Teaching Award and the Most Prestigious Educational Award in America. Congratulations to Jamal for being one of the most accomplished school teachers in America.YOU TUBE VIDEO of the Award Announcement -CLICK HERE: Jamal Dickerson was awarded REAL FATHER - REAL MAN award on 02/09/2010 by the national syndicated program, featuring host Tom Joyner. CLICK HERE - to hear a two minute radio segment of this on the TOM JOYNER SHOW. Jamal Dickerson is the teacher and music director for the Subito Sounds. Subito Sounds is comprised of talented high school musicians, supported by dedicated parents. These musicians specialize in performing straight ahead jazz as well as other various forms of music. Subito has performed at the Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival, LaRose Jazz Club, Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival, Camden Waterfront, Camden Aquarium, Camden Children's Garden, Camden F.O.P. 60th Anniversary Banquet, Tranestop Program at Felicia's Garden honoring Philly Joe Jones, the Philadelphia Clef Club, Cape May Jazz Festival, to name a few. The ultimate goal of the Subito (Italian word that means ALL OF A SUDDEN, Suddenly) Sounds is to study and perform the true American Classical Music and Jazz. In addition the group hopes to encourage other young musicians to embrace this music.

Job Titles:

• MASTER MIND of These 4 CD's

Job Titles:

• General Director

In the eighth grade Nasir was introduced to his very first private teacher, Mr. Charles Bowen Sr. by his older brother Jamal Dickerson. Mr. Bowen=s influence on the tenor sax, lead Nasir to pursue his future saxophone playing primarily on the tenor saxophone.

Job Titles:

• Musical Director for the Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra

Job Titles:

• Director of Bands at Morgan State University

Jamal graduated from Morgan State University in 1999 with high achieving accomplishments in Music and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He became one of the leaders of the World Famous Morgan State University's Marching Machine (Band), Jazz Band, Pep Band and Orchestra. He continues to have a good relationship with Mr. Melvin Miles, MSU Band Director and attributes Mr. Miles style for marching band as a big part of his teaching method with his students today. Every opportunity he gets he will recommend or reference Morgan State University to anyone pursuing higher education. Jamal also earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University 2010. Although he had great offers to stay in Maryland, he came back to Camden to teach and give back to his city. In 2000, he was employed by the Camden City Board of Education and taught instrumental music at George Washington and H. C. Sharp Elementary School. Jamal is currently an Instrumental Music School Teacher and Director of Bands for Camden Creative & Performing Arts High School (CAPA). While at CAPA he has lead the band to triumphant victories in several band competitions and festivals. In 2007 they were ranked the Most Outstanding Overall Band in the State of New Jersey. Mr. Melvin Miles is the Director of Bands at Morgan State University for more than 30 years Mr. Melvin Miles Bio - CLICK HERE

Job Titles:

• Member at the Philadelphia Clef Club

Nasir Dickerson, BA, MA, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Dickerson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Camden, New Jersey. He is a 2002 graduate and 4 th of his class in Camden High School. He has achieved high academic accomplishments, especially, in math, science and music education. He was a member of the National Honor Society, with perfect attendance, and has been the president of his class since his freshman year. Nasir has also earned many academic scholarships and awards, such as the Alexander Oaks Award, which was given to the number one senior student who has won the respect and approval of the administration, faculty, staff and student body, for academic scholarship, character, personality and athletic interest. Nasir was accepted into the University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Music Performance in May of 2006. May of 2007 Nasir earned and received his Master Degree in MUSIC EDUCATION at the UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS, with high academic honors. Presently, Nasir is employed at the Camden Public Schools (Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy) in Camden, New Jersey as a Music Teacher. He earned the award of the Best Teacher of the Year in 2010. In 2002 he formed his own jazz group called Nasir Dickerson and the Renaissance Messengers. Today Nasir produced two wonderful CD's (albums) called the Journey to the Fatherland and The Revealer. Nasir performed and/or actively performs for many legendary greats such as the Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra (Leon Mitchell), Stylistics, Intruders and Urban Guerilla Orchestra. He also open for legendary jazz greats, such as Dr. Donald Byrd, Robert "Bootsie" Barnes, Wallace Roney, Jimmy Heath, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Duane Eubanks, Jymie Merritt, Mickey Roker, Stanley Wilson and Sid Simmons. Also, today Nasir performs for wedding bands called the CTO World Entertainment Group (Park Avenue), Bounce - The New Evolution, and The Tony Grandberry Project in the Philadelphia area. Nasir, a professional and highly skilled member of the world renowned Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble, performed in the movie called WARRIOR by LIONSGATE with famous actors Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte and Jennifer Morrison. The movie Warrior was shown in movie theaters across America in 2011 and now on DVD. Expanding and sharing his musical knowledge in Hip Hop and Rap in 2012 Nasir played in a video shoot for the famous rapper Beanie Sigel and State Property. Another historical moment in music happen on September 1, 2012 when Nasir played for newly signed artist named Stalley from the famous rapper and businessman Rick Ross, at Jay-Z's Made In America Festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nasir has been playing and studying musical instruments, such as the tuba, tenor, baritone, alto and soprano saxophones since the second grade. He was inspired and taught by many great professors and teachers, such as Mr. Leon Mitchell, Mr. Charles Bowen Sr., Mr. Charles Elliott, Mr. Ronald Kerber, Mr. Tony Salicondro, Mr. Chris Farr, Mr. Danny Muller, Mr. Ben Schachter, Mr. Dennis Wasko, Mr. Tony Miceli, Mr. John Swana, Ms. Trudy Pitts, Mr. Lovett Hines and his older brother Mr. Jamal Dickerson. Nasir was also part of a musical team winning an Emmy Award on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Nasir is also a World Champion 6 th Degree Master Black Belt in Karate and a member of a Discipline Military Style Drill Team called the World Champion UPK Pasha Generals. Nasir is also a long standing and key member of the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble, which is famous for its electrifying drummers, sensational dancers, exciting masquerade and acrobatic show performing all over America also in Africa and the Caribbean. In 2002, Nasir graduated in the top ten of his class, receiving a full scholarship to The University of the Arts, at which he is pursuing a Master ! In May of 2007 Nasir, earned and received his Master's Degree in MUSIC EDUCATION at

Job Titles:

• Byheijja Sabree - Director of Marketing

Rhoda A. Blount began her career in the music industry in 1982 as the Promotional Coordinator for the Kool Jazz Festival working with internationally acclaimed jazz artists that included Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Art Blakely, Lionel Hampton & Orchestra, Joe Henderson, Sarah Vaughan, Mongo Santamaria, Freddie Hubbard, Carmen McRae, Dave Brubeck, McCoy Tyner, Joe Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Odetta, Diane Schurr, Tito Puente, Patti Austin, Flora Pruim, Mavis Staples, Celia Cruz, Tania Maria, and many other legendary artists. In 1985 Blount began her 10-year tenure as the Jazz Program Director at the Afro-American Historical & Cultural Museum where she annually produced the award winning "Jazz Live Series" and the 12-hour jazz marathon, "Jazz ‘Til Sunrise". Blount's headline concerts featured: Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Abdullah Ibrahaim, Cecil Taylor, Randy Weston, Hugh Masekea, Don Cherry, Archie Shepp, Shirley Horn, Terrance Blanchard, Chicago Art Ensemble - for example. From 1988- 1996 Blount was the Artistic Director for the PECO Energy Jazz Festival, the 10-day citywide festival where she presented artists such as: Nancy Wilson, Cab Calloway, Eartha Kitt, Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, George Shearing, Dorothy Dongean, Ramsey Lewis, Pharaoh Sanders, Miriam Makeba, Jon Lucien, Regina Carter, Clark Terry, Dave Valentin, David Murray, Jackie McLean, James Moody, Heath Brothers, and other renowned musicians. As a producing consultant, Blount worked with the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts as Program Director producing such acts as: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gerri Allen, Clarence Carter, Gloria Lynne, Horace Silver, Marion McPartland, Mahotella Queens, Joe Zawinul, Les McCann, Johnny Griffin, Donald Byrd, Joe Lavano, Branford Marsalis, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath and others. Blount offered her talents as consulting artistic producer for these institutions as well: The Mann Center for the Performing Arts; American Jazz Museum; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; Mellon Jazz Festival; Odunde Festival; WDAS-Unity Day; Volunteers of America; Philadelphia Folklore Project; Black Family Reunion Cultural Festival and the Black Theater Festival. She also served as Special Projects Director at New Freedom Theatre, and Development Director at Temple University' Public Radio station WRTI-FM. Blount also toured throughout the U.S. and Europe as a singer/dancer with the legendary Sun Ra & his Arkestra. In 1998 Blount became the Education/Outreach Director at The Mann Center creating multicultural programs in theater, music, and dance for young people. Under Blount's leadership, to date, the annual free "Young People Concert Series" has attracted more than 247,000 enthusiastic youngsters throughout the Delaware Valley region. She created the "Connecting Arts-N-Schools" outreach initiative project exposing more than 25,000 inner-city children to the performing arts. In April 2007, she created 6-new expanded educational programs at the newly built Field Education & Outreach Center at The Mann introducing more than 3,500 children with Master Class/Workshop Series, Meet the Artists Series, In Touch w/Tiny Tots Series, and the Greenfield Performance Treasures Series. Blount's mission is to give every young person the opportunity to be exposed, inspired, and enlightened by the performing arts. "I want our young people to experience the sights, sounds, and rhythms that celebrate the magic and richness of the performing arts from around the world."

Job Titles:

• Director of Community Affairs

Job Titles:

• Ronsha Dickerson - Director of Education and Event Coordinator

Job Titles:

• Vice - President of International Affairs