Rent $ 4 Dance Studio-Support BLACK Owned-Business

E. Matt is organising this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hello! Glad you found your way here.

This gofundme was created to support a Daytona Beach locally owned business that has been apart of this community for nearly 20 years!

Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy (KEDA) is owned by Crystal Draper, a black woman originally from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Crystal has a way of telling stories through her artistic expression that connects people from all background and walks of life. She has been an artist her entire life and brings art into our community through her dance. When she speaks her truth, her voice is strong and inspiring.

Her mission is dance for all. As a black woman growing up in the Midwest during the 80s and 90s, she knows what it is like to be in a dance studio that is not inclusive of all bodies, especially those of color. Crystal knew she wanted more for those girls like her and has done so in her own studio at KEDA where ALL BODIES are welcome and safe.

The past 3 months have hit us all hard, and for small business owners in the ARTS, even more so. Crystal relies on students taking classes to pay bills. Obviously, this has not been happening. However, that hasn’t stopped her from doing FREE ONLINE dance classes every single day to ensure her students were still practicing the art of dance.

But that doesn’t mean the bills have stopped coming. Doesn’t mean she still doesn’t need to put food on the table for herself and her three, beautiful children. Because of the pandemic she is behind on rent and still is expected to pay until the end of summer. Rent ain’t cheap around here either y’all!

Today on #blackouttuesday we are #amplifyingmelanatedvoices like Crystal so that she can still have a place in our community that adds value and richness. Crystal is the definition of black resiliency and power. She defies the odds not only as a black business owner, but as a WOMAN OF COLOR in the male dominated business world.

Those of you who have privilege, who have felt a calling to “do more”, that think “enough is enough”, and have an overwhelming sense of duty to do something to support the cause of #blacklivesmatter this is what I am asking: Give your money to Crystal who has been teaching the art and love of dance to children for nearly TWO DECADES! Support her in this difficult moment.

Now is the time for action my friends. Literally put your money where your mouth is. No more of just sharing photos on Facebook or Instagram. This is how you can help. This is how we can all make a difference.

AMPLIFY HER VOICE.

Support her business. Support her as a black woman. Show that you realize her voice is valuable and recognize that we NEED her in our community. Yes I said NEED.

By giving funds to pay for rent, she may continue her mission and make dance accessible for all.