By Attiyya Atkins
Linda Houston Jones, founder of Ashanti Cultural Arts, leaves behind a legacy of community advocacy, social justice, and a passion for the arts. Jones passed away in November, but her spirit will live on in the programs she’s created through her non-profit organization.
More than 30 years ago, Jones was looking for dance classes for her children and couldn’t find any that were a good match for her children. “None of the teachers looked like us,” Jemilah L. Jones, daughter of Linda Houston Jones, told Villij News. “We would have to wear pink tights that didn’t match our skin… my mom couldn’t find the right classes for us, so she created her own.”
Houston Jones’ husband, Emridge ‘EJ’ Jones Jr., was a musician and connected her with dance teachers that looked like their children. The organization grew to offer community sponsored events, like creating quilts, dance and arts classes in elementary schools, free dance classes, social justice programs, main stage productions and more.
“I was born with a passion for the arts,” according to quote in Jones’ obituary. “Whether I was a performer, the arts always gave me a way to express who I was. I am committed to providing a way for others to experience such joy from the arts… and thus you have Ashanti.”
Ashanti Cultural Arts is named after the Ashanti west African tribe, known for their royalty, richness, and diversity. The legacy of Ashanti continues as Jemilah and her brother Emridge Jones III will run the organization.
“She really enjoyed her life,” Jemilah said. “She loved her community and wanted to empower people. She would always lead and connect people.”
Linda received many awards throughout her life, including the ICABA Arts Professional Award in 2013. She was a grant evaluator for Broward County Cultural Affairs Division, and past founding member of the Board of Directors of Art Serve Board. She was a member of the Broward County Diversity Advisory Council, Arts chair of both Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the North Broward Chapter of The Links, Inc. Additionally, she sat on the boards of the Broward County Cultural Commission, The Broward County Diversity Advisory Board and The Starting Place.
Through Ashanti, Linda was able to take 15 students on a five-day cultural trip to New York to take classes and tour Julliard School of the Arts, Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem and New York City.
She will be deeply missed by the community. “So sad to see this news,” wrote Jan Goodheart on Facebook. “Linda was an inspiration to so many children.”
Erica Anderson also wrote on Facebook “Mrs. Jones was a wonderful mentor and friend. I’ll never forget her beautiful smile and meaningful advice when I was starting my teaching career. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Visit the Ashanti Cultural Arts website for more info.
