Folkflorist, Memory Worker & Community Activist & Liaison

Mama Aissatou Bey Bara is a creative and cultural warrior known for community activism, folkloric knowledge and iconic style! She lives in Harlem - 5 generations strong - and participates on many community boards, promoting and directing cultural programming. 

Her passions include music, education, production and craft making. The daughter of an opera-singer hailing from Ohio, Mama Aissatou moved to Harlem in 1967. She attended Music & Art as a bass violinist and graduated from Harlem Prep in 1971. Currently she works at  McKissack & McKissack as Director of Community Employment Programs & Initiatives.

Mama Aissatou has taught and spoken nationally and internationally, but her cultural journey began with Hati Ast Hasifa Abdur Rahman & Abdul Rahman in Harlem in the 1960’s. She was the dance caption for the Weusi Umoja Dancers & Drummers, guided by the Onyango family collective in Baltimore. That collective then joined with the African Heritage Dancers & Drummers under the direction of Brother Melvin Deal in Washington DC. 

Mama Aissatou is a continuing member of Sabar Ak Ru Afriq African Dance Club with - Baba Obara Wali Rahman Ndiaye & the late Mama Andara Koumba Rahman Ndiaye. She has performed at Dance Africa twice with the company and continues to study with the Rahman family.