NACAPA History
Milestones & Firsts
Documenting the founding moments, pioneering supporters, and historic developments shaping NACAPA from its beginning.
NACAPA’s story is still being written. This archive records key milestones, firsts, and significant moments that have helped shape the organization from its founding onward. New entries are added as they occur, with written permission from the individuals or organizations recognized.
Founding Milestones
Founding Milestone
NACAPA Incorporated
March 26, 2026
NACAPA was formally incorporated in California as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, establishing its legal foundation as an organization dedicated to African performing arts in North America.
Founding Milestone
First Board Meeting Held
April 18, 2026
NACAPA held its first official board meeting, marking an early governance milestone in the organization’s institutional development.
Founding Milestone
IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Received
May 4, 2026
NACAPA received federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt recognition, formally establishing its charitable status and eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Founding Milestone
NACAPA Website Launched
May 18, 2026, 3:00 AM
NACAPA launched its official website as a permanent public home for its mission, programs, leadership, and giving opportunities.
Pioneering Supporters
Pioneering Supporter
First Official Individual Donor
Esther Sherrod Watkins | June 3, 2026
Recognized as the first official individual donor to NACAPA, helping establish the organization’s earliest base of philanthropic support for African performing arts traditions in North America.
Pioneering Supporter
First Recurring Donor
Date to be added
Recognized as NACAPA’s first recurring donor, helping establish a dependable base of ongoing support for the organization’s mission.
Pioneering Supporter
First Organizational Donor
Date to be added
Recognized as the first organization to make a financial contribution in support of NACAPA’s mission and founding work.
Leadership & Service
Leadership & Service
First Board Chair Elected
April 18, 2026
Jeremy Hoff was overwhelmingly elected as NACAPA’s first board chair, providing early governance leadership during the organization’s formative stage.
Leadership & Service
Founding Board Members
April 18, 2026
NACAPA’s inaugural Board of Directors was established with Jeremy Hoff, Ashley L. Douglas, Dr. Andrea Roberson, Gene Farrell Roberson, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Ugwu, CSJ, Ph.D., Julia Isiagu, and Dr. Anderson Isiagu. Together, they formed the organization’s first governing body and helped lay the institutional foundation for NACAPA’s mission in North America.
Leadership & Service
First Volunteer
Date to be added
Recognized as NACAPA’s first volunteer, contributing time and dedicated service to help advance the organization’s early operations and cultural mission.
Programs
Programs
NACAPA Choir Established
July 17, 2026
The NACAPA Board of Directors formally approved the establishment of the NACAPA Choir, creating the organization’s first ongoing performing ensemble.
Programs
NACAPA Concert Series Established
July 17, 2026
The NACAPA Board of Directors formally approved the establishment of a recurring concert series, creating an ongoing platform for the presentation of African performing arts and artists.
Programs
NACAPA Lecture Series Established
July 17, 2026
The NACAPA Board of Directors formally approved the establishment of a recurring lecture series devoted to scholarship, dialogue, education, and public engagement around African performing arts and culture.
Programs
First Official NACAPA Choir Member
2026 Founding Cohort
Aleta Braxton became the first official member of the NACAPA Choir and the first singer formally enrolled in its Founding Cohort.
Programs
First Official NACAPA Choir Rehearsal
August 22, 2026
The NACAPA Choir gathered for its inaugural official rehearsal and orientation, marking the beginning of the ensemble’s Founding Season.
Programs
First Public Event
Date to be added
NACAPA’s first public event introduced the organization’s mission to a live audience through performance, education, and cultural engagement.
Historic Opportunities
Become Part of NACAPA’s Founding Story
NACAPA welcomes individuals, institutions, and organizations interested in becoming founding partners during this historic early chapter of the organization’s development.
- Founding Corporate Sponsor
- Founding University Partner
- Founding Festival Sponsor
- Founding Scholarship Benefactor
- Founding Program Sponsor