In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month. Only five years later, Dr. Lenora Fulani co-founded the All Stars Project (ASP) with the late Dr. Fred Newman. Over the past 40 years, Dr. Fulani and Dr. Newman’s mission to empower marginalized youth using development-through-performance has expanded to five cities and virtually nationwide–thanks to dedicated champions like YOU.
As we celebrate Black History Month, the All Stars Project (ASP) reflects on the legacy of Black leaders who have shaped our mission over the decades and looks ahead to the next generation of trailblazers making an impact today. From the dedication of Dr. Lenora Fulani to the fresh visions of leaders like Senior Vice Presidents Shadae McDaniel and Antoine Joyce-Roach, ASP continues to empower youth nationwide through development and performance.
Dr. Lenora Fulani: A Visionary Legacy
Dr. Lenora Fulani, ASP co-founder and America’s grassroots educator, has dedicated over four decades to breaking barriers and fostering change. As a trained developmental psychologist, she bridged academia and community organizing, becoming the first woman and African American to appear on presidential ballots in all 50 states in 1988. Her vision led to the creation of the Development School for Youth (DSY), which has since grown to include over 7,000 graduates nationwide. In 2006, following the tragic police shooting of Sean Bell, Dr. Fulani initiated Operation Conversation: Cops & Kids. This groundbreaking program has brought together over 10,000 police officers and youth through performance-based dialogue, earning recognition from the NYPD and Department of Justice as a model for improving police-community relations.
Shadae McDaniel: Transforming Youth Development
Shadae McDaniel’s journey to becoming ASP’s Senior Vice President of Programs and Strategic Initiatives and Director of ASP of New Jersey began in Teaneck, NJ, where she discovered the power of performance through dance. From the Teaneck Terpsichoreans to Howard University’s “Showtime” Marching Band, she learned that performance could be a catalyst for community transformation.
Since joining ASP in 2015, Shadae has risen from Senior Program Manager to executive leadership, revolutionizing youth development in New Jersey. She spearheaded the expansion of DSY to Jersey City and forged a groundbreaking partnership with Onyx Equities, establishing the Campus for Performance and Development at Newark’s Gateway Center. Her collaboration with Mayor Ras J. Baraka brought Operation Conversation: Cops & Kids to Newark, culminating in a historic public demonstration in 2024. These achievements have earned her recognition as one of ROI-NJ’s Influencers: People of Color and Newark Venture Partners’ “Bad Ass Bosses of Brick City.”
Left to right: Chris Street, ASP President and CEO; Nat Christian, ASP Board Chair; and Shadae McDaniel and Antoine Joyce-Roach.
Antoine Joyce-Roach: Building Bridges Through Performance
Antoine Joyce-Roach’s rise from youth performer to Senior Vice President, City Leader of ASP of Dallas embodies our mission of transformation through performance. As a talented community organizer, he is creating programs that deeply resonate with young people while meeting rigorous developmental goals.
Antoine has embraced ASP’s approach to community engagement, developing innovative strategies that bridge the gap between corporate partners and community members. His ability to connect with both youth and business leaders has created sustainable partnerships that provide lasting opportunities for young people. Under his guidance, ASP has expanded its reach in Dallas Texas, while maintaining its commitment to grassroots development and performance-based learning.
Left to right: Monica Turner, Jahmila Williams, Yetunde Zannou
The New Wave of Leadership
The next generation of ASP leadership includes Monica Turner, Director, Human Resources and Culture, ASP; Jahmila Williams, Associate Director, ASP of NJ; and, Yetunde Zannou, Managing Director of Dallas Works, ASP of Dallas. These emerging leaders represent ASP’s evolution—honoring our founding principles while adapting to meet contemporary challenges. Their diverse expertise ensures that ASP remains at the forefront of youth development, creating opportunities that transform lives through the power of performance.
Building All Stars Together
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor both our pioneering past and our promising future. Through community-driven partnerships and bold workforce solutions, our leaders and staff continue to pave the way for young people to thrive, proving that when young people are given the stage—literally and figuratively—they can perform their way to success in all areas of life.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals and share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues as we bring the power of performance to underserved youth nationwide. The work we do today will echo for generations to come.
Learn More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkDuIFGJOD0&list=PLJwsHbYixRoaQxPxxd_vAbDWoiTBF0Ua8&index=6
BBC America Beyond The Colour Line, Interview with Henry Louis Gates and Dr. Lenora Fulani
The video features an interview with Henry Louis Gates and Dr. Lenora Fulani on the impact of All Stars Project’s programs over the youth we serve, using a specific example of students from the Development School for Youth (DSY) putting DSY lessons into action at Stonington Partners private equity firm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he5oKPpRrgI
Shadae McDaniel’s Story
1Huddle’s Director of Social Impact Jahmila Williams (now Associate Director, All Stars Project (ASP) of New Jersey!) sits down with Shadae McDaniel from All Stars Project of New Jersey to discuss the program, their partnership with 1Huddle, the City of Newark, and so much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjmPdBop5G4&t=179s
Performance Allows You To Be Who You Are and Who You Are Becoming
Performance on stage and off has the power to develop and grow lives. Antoine Joyce-Roach, Senior Vice President, City Leader of ASP of Dallas, shares how performance saved his life from poverty and how he now uses the transformative power of performance in afterschool development programs in Dallas.
