Stephanie “Amma” Young

Multi-Disciplined Artist, Teacher, Minister: Folkartist of African Dance and Percussion Instruments, Costume Designer and Singer, Fine Art Painter, Designer and Photographer.

Stephanie Amma is African American M.Ed. BFA, born, raised, educated, and employed in Philadelphia. She began her journey in folkarts in 1975 with the famed Arthur African American Dance Ensemble, later with Yousouf Koumbassa and Mbemba Bangoura. Meeting the costume needs of the children in the performing arts company of Arthur Hall in the 80’s a long collaboration with Kulu Mele African American Dance & Drum Ensemble as their costume designer and seamstress. For over 30 years she has taught traditional West African dance and music. As ministry leader for Adowaa Praise Ministry for fifthteen years she presented African dancing, drumming, singing, and made the costumes.

She passionately strives, to bring awareness and equity opportunities to children and families of Philadelphia. With generous funding Amma has been able to commit and provide quality folkarts programs equally to all. She is a witness to the healing and empowerment of the whole body, healthy living and positive relationships. Her art form incites hope, joy, and wisdom by connecting and reconciling hearts in the fullness of joy and love, freeing social change. Her art protests against injustice. Twenty of her years has been a cultural arts educator for AAMP African American Museum of Philadelphia and AAMP On-The-Go workshops in schools of Philadelphia and surrounding areas.