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Advisory Board Members

Dr. Faith Butler

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Beginning her Education career with a B.Sc in Primary Education and a minor in music, she went on to complete a master’s degree in Reading and Writing and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (with honours) from McGill University, Montreal, Canada.  Dr. Butler has served in leadership for over ten years in roles such as member of the research management team of the Inaugural Summer Studies Institute, Head of Department in the School of Education, Coordinator of the Masters of Reading with Inclusive Education Programme, Chair of the Academic Senate as well as Researcher in Residence at the T.G. Glover Professional Development and Research School. 

 

She has avidly participated in curriculum design at the College/University of The Bahamas and is one of the visionaries for the 2015 teacher education programme. She is also one of the lead programme developers of the School of Education’s first graduate programme to be offered by the School, the Master of Science in Reading with Inclusive Education. Dr. Butler facilitates a variety of courses in the School of Education, including educational research and literacy in the secondary school. 

 

As a proponent of community building, Dr. Butler has participated as a lead programme coordinator of the Indaba Project Afterschool Programme and the Island Stewards Camp initiative in which students were immersed in experiential learning experiences in New Providence and the family of islands. Building on inquiry-based and experiential learning, her current research interests include narrative research, self-report videos for reflective practice in teacher education, programme evaluation, and garden-based learning. She is delighted to be a co-founder of the Shirley Hall Bass Dance Educators Forum, bringing her expertise in curriculum, instruction, research methods and tertiary education.

Pamela Jones Burnside

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Pamela (Jones) Burnside is proud to have been a student of the first dance class that Shirley Hall Bass started in Nassau in 1966. She holds Degrees in English from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, and in Fashion and Textiles from St Martin’s School of Art, London, England. 

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Pam is a Bahamian cultural advocate. She is Secretary of Transforming Spaces, an art tour organization; and President of Creative Nassau, a registered non-profit community organization which ‘celebrates and promotes Bahamian Art, Culture and Heritage from the inside out’. She is also the owner and manager of Doongalik Studios Art Gallery, a creative exhibition space and fine art retail store founded in the 1970s. Pamela mounted the Bahamian Dance Exhibition entitled “The Spirit of The Dance” in 2011 that honored Shirley, along with Paul Meeres and Hubert Farrington. Pamela’s “powerful pen” provides regular op-ed pieces for The Bahamian news media. She advocates for The Orange Economy, also known as the Creative Economy, that supports sectors of the economy "whose main purpose is the production or reproduction, promotion, dissemination and/or the marketing of goods, services and activities that have cultural, artistic or patrimonial content" according to UNESCO.

 

Pamela Burnside's participation in the Shirley Hall Bass Legacy project from its inception highlights her deep connection to the cultural roots of The Bahamas. She has served as the moderator of every Shirley Hall Bass Dance Educators Forum since 2020. By actively contributing to this project, she not only honors the legacy of Shirley Hall Bass but demonstrates her pivotal role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Bahamian dance and performance arts.

Godfrey Danchimah

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As an honorary board member, Godfrey Danchimah brings not only laughter but also a profound commitment to cultural enrichment and community impact. Born to Nigerian parents and raised in the culturally rich city of Chicago, Godfrey's comedic style is a product of diverse influences, deeply rooted in the thriving arts scene. His acclaimed performances in films like Zoolander and Soul Plane attest to his comedic sensibilities, but Godfrey's knowledge extends beyond humor. With a 30-year entertainment career, Godfrey is not only a seasoned comedian but also a scholar of world cultures, socio-political structures, and languages, enriched by extensive travel and research. His roots in the Chicago comedy circuit, led to a particular fascination with the historic Bronzeville neighborhood and the iconic Club Delisa, which informs his deep appreciation for the historical significance of black stand-up comedy.

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Godfrey's mastery of stand-up is showcased through performances at the prestigious Comedy Cellar in New York and constant international touring. Milestones like his Comedy Central one-hour specials, "Godfrey: Black by Accident" and "Godfrey: Regular Black," demonstrate the depth of his comedic talent. Beyond the stage, his radio show on SiriusXM and podcast "In Godfrey We Trust'' on the Gas Digital Network expand his influence to the airwaves and provide the perfect vehicle to showcase his interdisciplinary wit.

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A commitment to philanthropy defines Godfrey's narrative, evident in his active role in the Shirley Hall Bass Foundation’s performing arts education initiatives. As an honorary board member, he exemplifies dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent, leaving an enduring mark on Chicago's cultural landscape and beyond.

Pierre Lockett

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Pierre Lockett, Founder and Executive Director of Forward Momentum Chicago (FMC), has dedicated a decade to shaping inclusive arts education through dance. Formerly the Director of Community Engagement at The Joffrey Ballet, he significantly expanded programming from ten to over 55 schools before departing in 2014. With twenty years of professional dance experience, Pierre fused his passion for dance with a commitment to inspiring youth, resulting in the creation of FMC.

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Under Pierre's leadership, FMC has impacted 38,500 students through diverse programs, including weekly in/out-of-school instruction, free Saturday Dance Classes, and three Summer Dance Camps open to all interested children. His outreach spans Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, and various citywide schools and studios. Mayor Rahm Emanuel recognized Pierre's enduring commitment by declaring June 30th as Pierre Lockett Day, acknowledging his role in expanding dance in Chicago.

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Pierre's dedication extends beyond FMC, as evidenced by his management and production of programs for After School Matters and the Advance Arts Education Program, showcasing his unwavering commitment to youth development through the arts. He sees dance as a powerful catalyst for building life skills crucial for career and college readiness, actively working to remove barriers limiting youth and adults in communities of color from pursuing dance professionally. Pierre's vision centers on empowering underrepresented students in dance genres, fostering both appreciation and mastery while instilling confidence to succeed in various aspects of life.

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