Today we’d like to introduce you to Akuyoe Graham
Hi Akuyoe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I Am a multidisciplinary artist originally from Ghana, W. Africa. I love performing, writing, producing- making new creations- out of what appears to be nothing- I find incredible joy in the creation of something new in unexpected ways. I love telling stories- I get nervous sure, however, when the lights come on, the curtain goes up or I hear action- it’s on- I’ve been told that I literally light up and bam- it’s time to share my gifts. I do all that I do to help- to bring joy and truth; to set people free so that they can be in – what I believe to be- the inherent joy within us all. Life is a beautiful creation and I have the honor and privilege to facilitate the spiritual life known as Akuyoe. In my maturity, I’ve finally learned to cherish the moments of life- no matter what- I get to respond- I get to laugh, cry, be angry, be enraged, confused, bored, I get to feel; I get to love. I do not take any of it for granted- even if there’s tears streaming down my face- I get to have emotions. I truly love life and am GRATEFUL.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I founded Spirit Awakening Foundation (SAF) 30 years ago- an arts organization through which I’ve trained artists of varying mediums to teach my program Writes of Passage/Unmasking your authentic voice; through SAF we teach and mentor teens and young adults in our juvenile and foster systems and in high schools. We work with LA County Arts Dept, office of education and LAUSD. In addition to being a performing artist, I also work in the very challenging and competitive nonprofit sector- so I’m always auditioning and raising money- 2 things which both come with a lot of rejection- in spite of it- I love what I do and after 30 years I’ve made some real strides and have established strong foundations. Grateful to have projects in 2025 that have been gestating and are now coming into manifestation. The challenges and obstacles have truthfully made me stronger, intentional, focused and better at what I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
On the daily, I Am working with my staff to mentor young people in our schools and juvenile centers. I oversee a staff of 20 and work with our board of directors and collaborating agencies. Additionally, I Am auditioning- after some time off from my work as an actor, I Am fulfilling my artistic talents in the performing arts. I have 2 independent films forthcoming, one of which I directed. I have been in many national commercials and have done some voiceovers as well. I narrated the feature documentary Mustang Saviors and work on dubbing for Netflix. I Am in post production of my film- based on my one-woman play- Spirit Awakening and intend to release in 2025.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Born in Ghana, I left at 6 to join my mother in London where I finished my primary education through a year of secondary school. Finished high school in NY; some college at Hunter College in Manhattan while I studied acting with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse.
London was rough; it seemed that everyone had gotten a memo from the television series Tarzan and thought we were savages. Although I excelled in school, my teachers challenged my high test scores and writing skills because they didn’t believe an African child could be intelligent. My mother was often called to the school and had to defend me. And at just 8 years old, I was sexually assaulted. By the time we moved to NY, my self-esteem had been eviscerated. With meditation and holistic practices, I began to awaken to my true value and worth. 30 years ago I founded Spirit Awakening Foundation so that other young people would not have to suffer the same indignities that I had gone through. I was determined then- as I Am now- to guide young people to an inner freedom where the slings and arrows of human life could not devastate them. There is a way out of hell and I want to help those struggling with issues of esteem to their own inner resilience and power. I Am a way-shower.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.akuyoe.com; www.spiritawakening.org
- Instagram: @akuyoegraham
- Facebook: Akuyoe Graham
- Twitter: @akuyoeGraham
- Youtube: Akuyoe Graham
