The Brian Gabriel Walker Financial Scholarship Award Funds (3 Awards)

Purpose:

To broaden the recipient’s horizon in the field of the arts by providing him or her with an opportunity to demonstrate a form of creative expression that will reflect, honor, and pay tribute to the artist, Brian Walker.

Brian Gabriel Walker was born on February 11, 1951 in Arima, Trinidad.   He grew up in the northern district of Diego Martin and attended the Diego Martin Boys RC School.  He later attended and graduated from Fatima College, and there he was active in choral and drama performances.

Though diligent in his career fields, Brian’s real passion for life was expressed through dance, art and music.   He continued his dance career in the United States with African Heritage Dancers and Drummers.   He remained with this company as a principal dancer until 1983, when he joined Kankouran West African Dance Company.  Brian later left Kankouran and his dance career for a taste of new cultural and dance endeavors.  His zeal for enjoying carnival and calypso music was consummated in the creation of the popular known form of aerobics called “Calypso Aerobics.”   Brian also developed a water aerobics known as “Soquatics” or “Soca in de Water”.   This scholarship program was created in his memory and is intended to help those who desire to broaden their creativity.  

The project will culminate in a form of artistic expression be it dance, costume design, visual art, music, calypso aerobics, or drama, that will be manifested during an event hosted by the DCCC.

Project Content:

• Exposure to rich traditions and culture of Africa and the African Diaspora.
• Opportunity to learn traditional African dance and drum from various regions of the African continent.
• Opportunity to learn Caribbean dance
• Conduct research on various cultural art forms with a focus on Africa, the United States and the Caribbean.
• Gain a better understanding of the cultural manifestation of Africa in the African Diaspora.

Financial data:

The award will include a $500 stipend from the DCCC and a certificate of merit.

Duration:

The award will be presented annually at DCCC's award presentation, and will last from September-June of the following year

Number of awards:

One award annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be between the ages of 19-40.

• Must be a US citizen, legal permanent or otherwise legally in the United States.

• Be able to show a perspective of their own creativity be it dance, music, visual arts, drama, etc.

• Be willing to research the many forms of artistic expression of the artist being honored.

• Should have some background in costuming.

• Must submit a one-page essay describing why the participant qualifies for the award.

Please note:

-No family members of DC Caribbean Carnival Committee, or relatives of the Walker family are eligible to apply.

Deadline:

Applications should be submitted no later than June 1st of each year.

Mail application to:

DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc.,

Brian Walker Scholarship

4809-A Georgia Avenue NW, Suite 112

Washington,  D.C. 20011

For information call Mr. Melvin Deal at African Heritage Dancers and Drummers at (202) 399-5252

Contact Information:

Check on each form for the Contact Information, or contact

Loughton Sargeant 202-726-2204 - DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc. (DCCC)

www.dccaribbeancarnival.com

dcccinc@hotmail.com