Recently, I was asked to highlight my greatest achievements of my professional career as a former professional in the TV industry.
Undoubtedly, I gained valuable experience and achieved a lot during my years at NBCUniversal; I worked with some of the largest content distributors, I executed campaigns that generated millions of dollars in advertising value, executed large scale events, among other highlights. All of this helped me develop outstanding professional skills set. However, my practice of Capoeira has enabled me to become perseverant - nurturing a relentless pursuit to reach goals and to not give up on my beliefs - and co-building ACBX has been the biggest test to my character, my emotions and all my professional skills you could possibly think of...Capoeira has facilitated transformative experiences that have translated into skills that go beyond what can be quantified on a resume.
Annually, ACBX reaches more than 2,500 people through its various programs at our full time Capoeira Arts Center and off-site through in-school capoeira arts education and public programs, such as our stapled free Capoeira in the Park, each summer. ACBX students continue to shine as artists and athletes as demonstrated at the World Games of Capoeira this past summer in Rio where Brandon “Gasparzinho” Taft brought home gold for #TeamUSA!
As we enter our 10th year anniversary - yes! the work of ACBX in the Bronx turns 10 June 16 - 20, 2020 - we reflect on the countless lives ACBX has impacted: kids throughout the Bronx whose curiosity was sparked after taking a capoeira class in their school; kids who began training with us at the age of 5 and are now teenagers who travel to participate in international encounters; teenagers who have become college graduates and achieved victory at the World Games of Capoeira and continue to dream and set new goals being part of the ACBX family. One recurring theme is that many of them have transferred their perseverance in the Roda to develop the game of capoeira, to achieve great things outside of Capoeira.
Capoeira is transformative. Capoeira builds people from the inside out. And its power transcends generations.
Great things happen when people come together. It is one of the lessons we learn in the Roda de Capoeira (circle) where we all have an active role. We need your help in order to continue to bring our mission to life and continue to impact lives for another 10 years at least!
This giving season, please make a donation to ACBX and help us continue this journey. We thank you in advance for your consideration.
With gratitude,
Jennifer/Franjinha and Prof. Coco
Co-founders of ABADA-Capoeira Bronx & Passionate believers on The Power of Capoeira!
Photo: Herb "Pedra" Brooks
Left to right; Pedrita, Prof. Coco, Mestre Joao Grande, Mironguinha, Gda. Franjinha
Each year, ACBX reaches an average of 1,000 students through its in-school educational programs, giving students in NYC public schools the opportunity for a unique hands-on learning experience. This academic year is no exception. New and returning schools have partnered with ACBX to help us expose students to cultural arts and nurture curiosity to see the world beyond their immediate neighborhoods.
New this year to the ACBX network of partner schools are Ampark Neighborhood School and Atmosphere Academy Charter School. In the latter school, grades 6, 7 and 8, learn Capoeira as an elective course part of their educational curriculum.
High School students at The College Academy (TCA) are on their second year of Capoeira Arts education. ACBX is TCA’s partnering organization for "The Arts for English Language Learners & Students with Disabilities" program where the teaching of Capoeira is used as a developmental aid in the language acquisition and cultural adaptation of students of the program.
Students in ACBX in-schools programs are offered the opportunity to continue to hone their skills in our studio, training free of charge in our teens/adults classes.
We look forward to another great academic year. And thank our partners for their collaboration.
SLAVERY IN THE BRONX Manhattan College Students research the history of slavery in our borough, including sites such as the Van Cortlandt Park Mansion.
Did you know that approximately one third of the population of what we know today as Kingsbridge/Riverdale area was enslaved people? Historical documents reveal that the Black population of Kingsbridge was proportionally much higher in the distant past than it is today, according to the kingsbridge historical society.
It is suspected that some of those enslaved people were buried in the grounds of Van Cortlandt Park which serves every summer as ACBX's site for free Capoeira classes - often times, described by participants as "you get to be free."
[Click to Watch our feature on News 12]
Students in Manhattan College’s community-based learning course “Slavery in the Bronx” explore the history and legacies of slavery in the borough. As part of their hands-on learning, earlier this Fall they visited ACBX for an introductory capoeira class and to learn about the art’s origins tracing back to enslaved African in Brazil. Simultaneously, ACBX students learned about Manhattan College students’ findings, including the possibility of an unmarked slavery burial near the Van Cortlandt Park House Museum.
“Being that capoeira is a martial art that grew from slavery, it was great to know that where we train and call home is actually a part of history that is connected to this art that we train in and love.” expressed Ivan “Muralha” Rosado, one of ACBX’s Graduados when reflecting on the experience.
The students will share their findings this semester and information on efforts to build memorials in a public community presentation on December 5 at 7pm at Manhattan College’s Kelley 5B, where ACBX will perform.
It’s drive in movie time at ACBX! Kids build their car and watch Toy Story 4 in their creations!
Popcorn, treats, refreshments and possibly some occasional cartwheels will be available.
Sun Dec 8, 2-5PM
$12 per child | $20 two kids | $25 for three kids Space is limited. Reserve your spot
Join us for dance, eat, play, give and celebrate in community the holiday season and our capoeira-filled year we've had! Donate your gently used coats and we will give to those in need in our community.
Sat Dec 14, 7-10PM Please consider bringing a dish to share, we will send a sign up document soon!
#HUMANSOFACBX: Graduada Baixinha Get to know some of the people actively engaged in helping us drive our mission and and who have been impacted by Capoeira
"The hardest and most important lesson Capoeira has taught me is to never underestimate anyone, especially myself."
My government name given to me by my parents is Nadra, my apelido (Capoeira nickname) is Baixinha which means shorty in Brazilian Portuguese. My apelido is a very important part of my Capoeira identity. I live in Westchester where I work with young people with disabilities. I come to the city to practice Capoeira, workout and socialize. ACBX is truly my second family and we often have other Capoeira and non-Capoeira related functions in our beautiful studio (though most things eminently lead to Capoeira).
Photo: Jennifer Sanchez. Featuring Nadra/Baixinha wearing a traditional Samba skirt during ACBX's summer performance series at the NY Botanical Garden.
GIVING TUESDAY IS DEC 3!
Giving Tuesday is a worldwide day of giving, which takes place the Tuesday after Black Friday. Create your own Facebook fundraiser to support ABADA-Capoeira Bronx and be part of the movement to support doing good around the world.
Adults Capoeira on Thurs Dec 5: All meet in the studio at 6:30pm to walk over to the Manhattan College's presentation on Slavery in The Bronx (and Capoeira demonstration).
Nov 28, 29, 30 and Nov 1 - No classes in the studio. ACBX is closed.
Last day of kids class is Sat. Dec 14
ACBX is closed Dec 22 - Jan 2. Classes resume Jan 3.
Yoga: Sundays 9am is cancelled on Nov 24 while the 5:30pm is on - this will be the last day of class for Yoga on Sundays at 5:30pm. In December, Yoga on Sundays will be held on Dec 1, 8, 15
ABADA-Capoeira Bronx is a 501(c)3 approved non-profit organization. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
