We were lucky to catch up with Imani Ma’at recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Imani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
Yes, I have felt my work misunderstood and mischaracterized. Recently, I endured a heartbreaking experience rooted in ignorance, jealousy, and a lack of understanding of African and African American culture. In this country, systemic racism has long demonized anything African-centered, reducing sacred traditions like West African drum and dance to mere entertainment, stripped of their cultural, spiritual, and historical depth.
One of the most painful instances of this occurred when a white student in my class, who once admired my work and sought my guidance, was influenced by jealous adults who turned them against me. These individuals, instead of celebrating the transformative power of African traditions, planted seeds of harmful ideologies, grooming the student to reject the very practices that had once inspired them. Even worse, this student began spreading these distorted beliefs, attempting to influence others with the same ignorance and fear.
The situation escalated when the student accused my artistic and spiritual practices of being “demonic” and “pagan.” They went as far as presenting baseless accusations to the school board, claiming I was “grooming” students to adopt what they deemed “demonic” ideologies. This gross misrepresentation of my intentions was not just an attack on me but on the sacred traditions I hold dear. To see my work, rooted in healing and community, vilified in this way reflected a deeper societal prejudice and the enduring fear of African culture, knowledge, and spirituality.
Despite the pain, this experience only strengthened my resolve. I stood before the school board to defend my name and the cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of African culture and traditions. I didn’t need to say much—my classroom spoke for itself. The love imprinted on its walls, the dedication of my students, their pride in their heritage, and the way they danced with strength, unity, and purity all told the story. I also used this moment to advocate for cultural competency and anti-racism training, shedding light on the harm caused by misinformation and prejudice.
This chapter taught me that ignorance, gossip, and jealousy often conspire to attack what they fear most—the power of unity, truth, and transformation. It reminded me of the resilience of my ancestors and reaffirmed my commitment to my work—not just as an artist, but as an educator breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and fear.
The unity found in African drum and dance is a profound force, one that threatens those invested in maintaining oppressive norms. These traditions awaken people to their cultural identity and purpose. Though painful, this experience solidified my calling, knowing that my work is necessary—even in the face of resistance and deliberate attempts to distort its meaning.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Imani Ma’at AknhmenRa Amen Taylor, a teacher, artist, and cultural storyteller committed to preserving the sacred traditions of African drum and dance across the diaspora. My work honors my ancestors, heals through movement, and creates spaces of empowerment and pride for people of color.
Growing up, I witnessed the weight of systemic racism, bullying, and the dehumanization of my community. These experiences shaped my resilience and led me to use dance as a sanctuary—a place where pain transforms into power, and injustice meets liberation. Through this art form, I found healing and a deeper purpose: to teach, uplift, and resist.
Today, I teach at Detroit School of the Arts, where I guide students to master rhythms and movements that connect them to their heritage. Every class is an act of resistance, a reclamation of identity, and a celebration of culture. Beyond the classroom, I am working with Saba Dahveed Nelson, founder of The Last Poets, and Baba Blair Anderson, a Black Panther, on The Healing Sanctuary of Hip-Hop—a transformative space on Detroit’s west side dedicated to restoring hip-hop’s essence. This house will mentor the next generation of artists, offering healing, creativity, and a return to the revolutionary roots of hip-hop.
To support this project you can find more information here: https://gofund.me/272e284d
Through my work, I create spaces where movements become declarations of worth and creativity becomes a prayer for justice. Every drumbeat is a heartbeat, every step a story of triumph. My mission is rooted in love, healing, and the unwavering belief in the power of art to transform lives and dismantle injustice.
You can discover more about me by following my website and my Instagram.
https://imanimaatisevolving-com.webnode.page
https://www.instagram.com/_imanimaat/
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience on social media has been an organic journey of authenticity and purpose. I’ve shared the beauty of West African drum and dance, the transformative stories of my students, and the deeper emotions behind my work. A pivotal moment was introducing An Unmasking of Thyself, my traveling cultural arts show that explores identity, healing, and connection. Using platforms like Facebook and Instagram, I shared pictures, videos, voice recordings, and other content to expand the ever-evolving conversation on unmasking and what it means to unpack the truths and stories that make us most vulnerable, spreading these ideas globally. Through these reflections and ritualistic performances, I invited my audience to question the masks we wear and reconnect with their truth. My advice for building a presence: be authentic, engage meaningfully, share your process, and always let your purpose guide your content. Social media isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building a community rooted in connection and trust.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience has defined my journey. My father, Tahuti AnkhmenRa Amen Taylor, was a man of strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His passing became a profound turning point in my life. Growing up Black in America, I witnessed firsthand the weight of systemic racism, which dehumanizes, silences, and erases. My father’s struggles, including the toll of Agent Orange and the injustices he faced as a Black man, were a testament to his resilience and relentless pursuit of purpose.
Losing him left a void that could have shattered me, but instead, it ignited a powerful strength within. His legacy became my anchor, teaching me to rise even when life feels unbearable and to honor the sacredness of my purpose. His wisdom echoes in my artistry, my decisions, and my Unmasking, while his love fuels my work. His sacrifices inspire me to share my creativity and serve my community, empowering others to stand against systemic oppression.
I honor my father’s legacy through dance, education, and storytelling. Each drumbeat, movement, and word carries his spirit, keeping his memory alive while bridging the past and future. Through my work, I pass on the resilience, wisdom, and pride he embodied, ensuring his impact extends far beyond his lifetime.
This calling—my ministry—is not defined by the opinions or actions of others. It is rooted in something far greater, something divine. My father’s life and passing have shaped me into someone who refuses to let darkness or injustice prevail. Resilience is not merely a trait I possess; it is a legacy he passed down—one I carry forward in every breath, every step, and every act of resistance, healing, and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imanimaatisevolving-com.webnode.page/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_imanimaat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imanimaatisevolving/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-ma-at-a83052305
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCGdGTp-xaNQFyIP1IMTfrKA/videos
