Ade Jembe Fola

08/22/2026

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS, CITY HONORS SCHOOL! 🎉

ADE JEMBE FOLA is proud to celebrate our partner, City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park, on this incredible national recognition!

🏆 #1 High School in the Buffalo Metro Area
🏆 #2 High School in New York State
🏆 #187 High School in the Nation

With more than 27,000 public high schools considered in the U.S. News rankings, this achievement speaks volumes about the dedication of City Honors students, educators, families, leadership, and the entire school community.

For ADE JEMBE FOLA, it is especially meaningful to partner with a school where academic excellence, culture, creativity, leadership, and community can all have a place in the circle.

To every student who works hard, every educator who pours into them, and every family and community partner who helps them thrive, this recognition belongs to you.

👏🏾 Congratulations, City Honors!

Excellence is what happens when we invest in the whole child.

🥁 ADE JEMBE FOLA
Where Everyone Belongs in the Circle.
www.AdeJembeFola.org


City Honors School
Buffalo Public Schools
BPS Community Schools

07/29/2026

There was a time when I thought leadership meant having a seat at the table.

Over the years, I’ve learned something different.

Leadership is about making sure there are more chairs.

More voices being heard.

More leaders being developed.

More opportunities being created.

More people feeling like they truly belong.

Success isn’t measured by the seat you occupy.

It’s measured by the number of seats you help create for others.

“May we all leave every room, every organization, and every community with more chairs than we found.”

Because legacy isn’t about having a place at the table.

It’s about making sure someone else has one too.

- Kasumu

07/20/2026

We had a blast at the park breaking barriers drumming and dancing on positive vibes. Join us! Today!!!! Don’t miss out!!

07/17/2026

Drumming indoors, let’s be safe and have a workout!

07/16/2026

Sometimes, the greatest reward isn’t an award, a grant, or a standing ovation. It’s a message like this. ❤️

Tonight, I received a text from the parent of one of our graduates, and I honestly had tears in my eyes.

She thanked me for believing in her son, for stepping into his life without hesitation, and for giving him an opportunity to grow.

As I read her words, I was reminded why ADE JEMBE FOLA exists.

We teach African drumming and dance, but our mission has always been much deeper than music and movement. Every rehearsal is an opportunity to build confidence. Every performance is an opportunity to teach discipline. Every conversation is an opportunity to remind a young person that they matter.

I often tell our students that when they join our circle, they become family. I do my best to love, encourage, and challenge each one as if they were my own.

To every parent who has trusted us with your child over the years thank you. Your trust is something I never take for granted.

To every student who has ever picked up a drum, learned a dance, or found their voice through our program you are the reason we keep going.

This message reminded me that legacy isn’t built in a single performance. It’s built one life at a time.

Thank you for allowing ADE JEMBE FOLA to be part of your family’s journey.

With love

“Where Everyone Belongs in the Circle.” 🪘❤️

07/14/2026

We had a blast at the park breaking barriers drumming and dancing on positive vibes. Join us! Linda R. L. Appleby

07/13/2026

It’s going down today Hoyt Lake, Delaware Park 6pm. Bring a drum, a chair, your hands and feet. Let’s have fun!

07/10/2026

07/08/2026

PLEASE SHARE!!!! 📣

Community Programs and nonprofit organizations across Buffalo that are trying to provide safe and meaningful spaces for your children.

The Belle Center (716) 845-0485
• Teen Evening Program (ages 13–24)
• Runs nightly on weekdays
• Recreation + structured activities
• Basketball, volleyball, soccer, gym, weight room, game room
• Community service + prevention programming

West Side Community Services (716) 884-6616
• Ages 7th grade up to 20 years old
• Monday to Thursday 4:30–8:30 PM
• Arts, sports, fitness, life skills, college and career prep
• Occasional Saturday outings including college visits and trips

Northwest Buffalo Community Center (716) 876-8108
• Youth program runs 3–7 PM (ages 6–19)
• Homework help, STEM, sports, arts
• Teen programming includes group discussion nights, leadership activities, and social support environment

Seneca Street CDC Teen Program (716) 939-3501
https://www.senecastreetcdc.org
• Teens grades 9–12 only
• After school and teen specific programming
• Homework help, social time, outings
• Job readiness and leadership development

Save Our Kids of WNY
https://www.saveourkidsofwny.org
• Youth leadership development
• Job readiness and working papers support
• Volunteer to leader pipeline
• Community service programs
• Family support and outreach initiatives
• Teen room available for hangout time

Buffalo Urban League
https://www.bulny.org
• Youth workforce programs ages 14–24
• Job training, paid work experience, mentoring, career readiness
• YOLO Program (HSE and job pathways for ages 16–24)
• Teen engagement and academic and career support

Blueprints for Success Foundation
https://www.blueprintsforsuccess.org
• Skilled trades training exposure including HVAC, electrical, carpentry
• Youth empowerment programs
• Career readiness and entrepreneurship
• Mentorship and job pipeline development
• Community based skill building

The Ruth L. Holley Design Studio
• Introducing teens to skills and career paths in sewing
• Fashion styling
• Creative concept development
• Fashion photography

CEPA Gallery Youth Photography Programs
https://www.cepagallery.org
• All Things Photography beginner youth photo camp
• Zines for Teens including photography, collage, darkroom work
• Digital and experimental photography including cyanotypes and film style processes
• Ages approximately 8–17 depending on class
• Small classes and cameras often provided

Squeaky Wheel Youth Film and Media Programs
https://www.squeaky.org
• Youth Film Lab Summer Intensive ages 13–18
• Digital photography, Photoshop, visual storytelling
• Video and media arts and experimental image making

SPCA Serving Erie County Teen Volunteer Program
https://yourspca.org
• Teen Volunteer Program typically ages 14–17
• Structured training and orientation required
• Roles include animal enrichment support, cleaning prep tasks, event support, and humane education assistance

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo Youth Program
https://habitatbuffalo.org/youth
• Teen volunteers ages 16–18
• ReStore volunteering including sorting and customer support
• Exposure to build sites (no heavy machinery)
• Youth learn construction and housing equity work

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and Southern Tier
https://www.bbbsofwny.org
• 1 on 1 mentoring relationships
• Ages 5 through young adulthood
• School based and community mentoring
• Academic and emotional support system

www.AdeJembeFola.org

Bringing People Together to Build Homes, Communities & Hope

07/08/2026