V.R. The Collective

My name is Carmen, and I have been dancing for over 50 years. I have studied different styles, such as Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hula, and 

Hip-Hop. My passion started as a young girl, performing as an Oakland High Stepper and becoming a high school Cheerleader. In recent years, I've professionally danced and choreographed for Visceral Roots Dance Company at many Bay Area events, such as the Black Choreographer's Festival. I have performed with AFTA Shock Oakland, the Warriors NBA Team, and America's Golden Dream Dancers. Currently, I dance with VRDC, Dance Generators, and SASS (Silver and Sensational Squad). When I am dancing, it brings me the most tremendous sense of peace and joy. I hope that you will feel that, too, while watching me perform.

Together, we redefine the narrative surrounding our illness. The Pull-Up network empowers you to advocate for yourself while fostering a robust support system. We connect you with essential resources and a community of fellow Sickle Cell Warriors, united in our journey. Join us in this movement to transform lives and cultivate resilience!

Asia Sankofa Minnifield is a name that carries a rich tapestry of heritage and meaning. "Asia" evokes the vast and diverse continent, known for its vibrant cultures and histories. "Sankofa," an African word from the Akan people of Ghana, emphasizes the importance of looking back to the past to learn and shape the future. Finally, "Minnifield" adds a personal touch, suggesting a connection to family and roots. Together, this name reflects a journey that intertwines history, culture, and personal identity.

Asia’s journey into the world of dance began at the tender age of five, twirling alongside her mother in the vibrant atmosphere of their church. From those joyous beginnings, she honed her skills in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance under the expert guidance of the talented Mr. Reginald Savage at the Oakland School for the Arts. Today, her passion for dance remains as strong as ever, propelling her deeper into the rich and captivating culture that surrounds it.

As an Oakland native, Jeremie has always been surrounded by music, dance, and the arts. His passion for dancing came at a young age and even though never formally trained, he found solace in turf dancing.

Jhia Louise Jackson is an artist, scholar, and organizer who regularly engages in interdisciplinary projects. Raised in the Bay Area by parents who shared their love of Black music and arts as powerful tools for community building, she learned from an early age that life and art are not distinct. Her early experiences cheerleading, dancing, and volunteering with youth who have chronic illnesses laid the foundation for much of her current practices. The majority of her work engages with the rich intersections of medicine, mortality, and humanity. Always an avid reader, she engages with a diverse range of knowledge/creative lineages, fostering her ability to remain open and curious about the world and her engagement with it. Her twin is her Grandma Tiger, her soulmates are cats (in particular Cosmo and Uni), and she melts for microwave popcorn with extra melted butter poured over.