Destiny Arts Center

Destiny Arts Center is a youth arts education nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and ignite social change through the arts, with the strong belief that art and movement gives young people a vehicle for self and community expression. Founded by Black and Queer dance and martial artists in 1988, Destiny uses movement-based arts to uplift youth voice, supporting pathways for young people to express themselves, advocate for justice and equity, fight against the systemic racism that continues to impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and free.

An anchor cultural institution with over 30 years working in Oakland California, Destiny’s martial arts and performing arts programs are rooted in Destiny’s creative youth development framework and the “Warriors Code”– Love, Care, Respect, Honor, Responsibility, Peace, which support young people in building their resiliency and power. We are committed to centering the voices and experiences of BlPOC youth in our work, and we believe in supporting the whole child through fostering healthy environments and relationship-building as pathways to social and emotional wellness.