Testimonials

“I think it is fun and exciting to learn how to dance and do each move and do martial arts to learn how to defend ourselves. If someone is trying to hurt us, we use our fighting skills, but only if we have to. We use our feet and our words first.”
- Rosalyn Green, Age 10, Project Destiny student from Peralta Elementary School, Oakland

"What a brave band of determined souls is Destiny! Working with our youth, advancing the cause of justice and peace, teaching non-violence by being Peace. This is the work of grass-roots Movement into the Beloved community for which we long."
- Alice Walker – Author, Scholar and Activist

"It is not difficult for an educational enterprise to advocate the values of harmony and non-violence – and of course, many such organizations do. But Destiny actually succeeds in instilling every community member that it touches with a consistent, profound and empowering sense of respect for their fellow human beings and a genuine commitment to the values of community, diversity and peace. It is that success that makes Destiny Arts Center unique."
– Avi Jacobson – Parent

“What do I like about taking martial arts classes at Destiny? Everything. I like the Warrior’s Code, sparring, working on my martial arts form and everything else. It helps me center myself and control myself when I’m mad. I know how to breathe really slow and I can breath out the anger.”
- Rumi Smith, Age 9, Destiny Arts Center martial arts student

"I was struck by the dedication of the students and adults who comprise Destiny…My hope is that the Destiny movement will spread across our country."
- Randolph Carter, Office of Diversity & Multicultural Services, National Association of Independent Schools

“ I have seen my daughter continue to sharpen her sense of power, abilities and strength as a young girl of color through Camp Destiny. The pride in her sense of accomplishment and growing skills are evident when she comes home from Camp Destiny. Camp Destiny/Destiny Arts knows how to walk its talk by having young people who have come up within our community teaching the next generation of younger folks. That’s how it’s done.”
- Shirley Yee, Destiny Parent

"Destiny Arts youth explore the issues of discrimination (on all levels) and human violence, with a depth of thought, feelings and vision for the future that is truly inspirational."
- Nancy Nadel – Oakland City Councilwoman

"You learn it at Destiny and then after Destiny – you are Destiny…It’s like a responsibility – it’s like what you know, you owe."
- Dessie Woods and Kendra Staton – Destiny Alum

"The Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company is a politically astute, talented and visionary group of young people who combine political activism and cutting edge cultural expression."
- Angela Davis – Author, Scholar and Activist

"Growing up at Destiny really allowed me to think differently and think critically about the world and that’s what I’m trying to do now at this point is to create Destiny outside of Destiny."
- Thandiwe Satterwhite – Destiny Alum

“We are living at a time where the vision and creativity of young people is essential to the sustainability of our communities. It is these voices that give us hope and that will carry our species forward into a more enlightened age. Destiny provides a rare experience for young people that they will carry forward into the rest of their lives, while being able to touch so many with their great work.”
- Alli Starr, Director/Co-Founder, Cultural Links, Art and Revolution and Dancers without Borders

“I like that you get to have fun while you’re dancing and you get to play games and you get to work out too. The people are really nice and really helpful, like if you can’t get the dance right they will help you. I would definitely recommend it to another friend!”
- Ejahyé Lyons-Clark, Age 10, Destiny Arts Center dance student