Yaminah Muhammad

Yaminah Muhammad is a dedicated educator, cultural leader, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience as an African dance and drum instructor. As the founder of Esoke Cultural Arts Center, she has devoted her career to preserving and promoting African-centered arts, culture, and education throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area and the United States.

Throughout her distinguished career, Yaminah has worked extensively with the State of Missouri, the City of Kansas City, and numerous school districts including Kansas City Public Schools, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, and North Kansas City schools. Her passion for culturally responsive education and youth development has made her a respected leader in both the arts and educational communities.

For the past 12 years, Yaminah has served as African dance and drum instructor and the African-Centered Coordinator for Kansas City Public Schools, where she has played a pivotal role in supporting culturally affirming educational practices and empowering students through heritage, leadership, and community engagement. She also spent six years as the fine arts department and a member of the leadership team at African-Centered College Preparatory Academy, contributing to the development of culturally grounded educational programming and student leadership initiatives.

Yaminah’s commitment to global cultural education has included participation in world studies and cultural immersion experiences in Senegal, The Gambia, Barbados, and St. Croix. She has studied under internationally respected master artists and cultural educators including Mamady Keïta, Mouminatou Camara, Marie Basse, Djeneba Sako, Gregory Ince, Shalia Ince, Diadie Bathily, Moustaoha Bangoura, and Yousef Kombas.

In recognition of her contributions to arts and culture, Yaminah received a resolution from the Mayor of Kansas City honoring her commitment to cultural arts and community impact. She has also performed and shared African dance and cultural arts presentations at Rockhurst University, Kansas State University, and University of Kansas. Additionally, she has served as a guest African dance instructor at University of Missouri–Kansas City.

Yaminah is certified in Restorative Justice and holds a Master’s Certification in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy from University of Missouri–Kansas City. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Business Management from Park University. Through her leadership, education, and artistic contributions, Yaminah Muhammad continues to inspire generations by bridging culture, community, and academic excellence.