LEXINGTON, Kentucky – This summer, Lexington children are tap dancing, drumming and dancing to the rhythm, keeping their bodies moving and their minds active.
What you need to know
- August is Black Philanthropy Month
- The Blue Grass Community Foundation’s Black Prosperity Initiative will showcase more than 20 nonprofit organizations from August 19-23
- The West End Community Empowerment Project, a nonprofit organization built on community engagement, will soon celebrate its 30th anniversary
This is all part of the West End Community Empowerment Project. The movement focuses on children and families and aims to expand community involvement by creating a village of resources and opportunities for participation, including a fresh food pantry, clubs, and afterschool and summer programs.
“We inspire them,” says Je’Dynn Fogle, instructor. “We encourage them because it motivates us.”
WECEP is one of 26 African American nonprofits in Lexington celebrating Black Philanthropy Week with the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative.
Dora M. Hudson, executive director, said the organization highlights solutions to social problems, especially for underrepresented children.
“We recognize that all children should be valued and important, and many of our children sometimes feel invisible,” Hudson said.
Hudson said the special funding will help maintain enrollment and support more staff. Next spring, the organization will celebrate its 30th anniversary, she added.
“I’m proud that we’ve lasted this long, and I think it’s because people here really believe in change and that they can make a difference in other people’s lives,” she said.
The organization is hosting its “Summer Extravaganza,” a performance and awards ceremony at the Farish Theater downtown, on August 10 at 3 p.m.