(757) 777-1564

TACA: 
Tidewater African Cultural Alliance
TACA: 
Tidewater African Cultural Alliance

(757) 777-1564

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MEET OUR TEAM

Rita Addico Cohen, Executive Director

Frederick Nana Yaw Ainoo, Drumming Teaching Artist

Nfon Asuquo, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Rita is excited to combine her Ghanaian culture, extensive performing arts background and foreign language skills, and love for Africa to help fulfill TACA's Mission.

Under her leadership, TACA has been placed on the Teaching Roster of the VA Commission for the Arts; has been offering Cultural (traditional) and Afrobeats Dance classes to

Rita is excited to combine her Ghanaian culture, extensive performing arts background and foreign language skills, and love for Africa to help fulfill TACA's Mission.

Under her leadership, TACA has been placed on the Teaching Roster of the VA Commission for the Arts; has been offering Cultural (traditional) and Afrobeats Dance classes to the community; and continues and continues to form meaningful partnerships to engage and bring the community together through various cultural programs and events. The ACE (African Cultural Education) with TACA program which she developed is now in 5 schools across South Hampton Roads.

She is a graduate of the Norfolk Academy; earned her Bachelor of Arts in Classical Music from the University of Virginia; and her Master of Music in Classical Voice Performance. 

Nfon Asuquo, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Frederick Nana Yaw Ainoo, Drumming Teaching Artist

Nfon Asuquo, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Virginia Beach native Nfon Asuquo received his Bachelor of Arts in Studio-Art from Chowan University, and he is Attending Norfolk State University for Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies. 


Asuquo has exhibited nationally with highlights in Dallas,TX, Atlanta,GA, Raleigh,NC,Wilson, NC, Murfreesboro,NC, Brooklyn,NY,Philadelphia,PA, Washing

Virginia Beach native Nfon Asuquo received his Bachelor of Arts in Studio-Art from Chowan University, and he is Attending Norfolk State University for Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies. 


Asuquo has exhibited nationally with highlights in Dallas,TX, Atlanta,GA, Raleigh,NC,Wilson, NC, Murfreesboro,NC, Brooklyn,NY,Philadelphia,PA, Washington D.C.Baltimore,MD, Newport News,VA , Suffolk,VA, Norfolk and Va Beach, VA . He has also participated in an Artist Residency in Dallas,Texas. 


As a clothing designer, painter, and graphic designer, Asuquo explores community outreach by participating in non-profit asphalt mural collaborations with the city of Norfolk. His surrealist expressionist style is reflected in his artwork. Asuquo often draws inspiration from the surrealism and neo-expressionists movements that motivated him to show his challenges he had to face from his viewpoint of the world around him.

Frederick Nana Yaw Ainoo, Drumming Teaching Artist

Frederick Nana Yaw Ainoo, Drumming Teaching Artist

Frederick Nana Yaw Ainoo, Drumming Teaching Artist

Ghana native Nana Yaw  is a passionate percussionist dedicated to fostering community through rhythm, where each gathering is an opportunity to connect, learn, and express yourself freely. Through interactive drum circles and movement-based exploration, participants will not only refine their musical skills but also gain a deeper apprecia

Ghana native Nana Yaw  is a passionate percussionist dedicated to fostering community through rhythm, where each gathering is an opportunity to connect, learn, and express yourself freely. Through interactive drum circles and movement-based exploration, participants will not only refine their musical skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of drumming and dance traditions worldwide.


Come feel the beat, embrace the energy, and be part of a rhythmic journey that unites people through the universal language of music!

Porlicia Brown, Dance Teaching Artist

Porlicia Brown, Dance Teaching Artist

Norfolk native Porlicia Brown has always had a gift of working with  all ages through dance and fitness. She was in the Spartan Legion Band as a member of the Hot Ice Dance team; member of the Order of Eastern Stars; ACHI Awards winner; Arabia Temple #12 Fish Bowl Queen 2023; and Norfolk State Alumni Band.


Porlicia is a proud fitness Instr

Norfolk native Porlicia Brown has always had a gift of working with  all ages through dance and fitness. She was in the Spartan Legion Band as a member of the Hot Ice Dance team; member of the Order of Eastern Stars; ACHI Awards winner; Arabia Temple #12 Fish Bowl Queen 2023; and Norfolk State Alumni Band.


Porlicia is a proud fitness Instructor for the Hampton Roads Area and Owner of Smile-Breathe-Move-Fitness & Dance LLC. Porlicia has been getting people excited about fitness for over 16 years now!  She is AFAA certified in Group Fitness, licensed in all Zumba formats, R.I.P.P.E.D, Commit, ChairOne, and is a Mixxedfit Master Educator.  She also teach Senior Aerobics, Yoga and Line Dancing as well. 


Porlicia has also served as a cheerleading coach at many area schools. At Dance Dimensions, she is the stunt coach and fitness Instructor. Porlicia also teaches fitness for the City of Portsmouth. Porlicia motivates others with her smile and energy for all around her to be their very best in all they do.

Jara Clark, Dance Teaching Artist

Porlicia Brown, Dance Teaching Artist

Jara, a Health and Wellness Speaker for Fit Goddess Tribe, LLC, remains profoundly

grateful for her fitness journey and the individuals who have shaped it. Her unwavering love and commitment to fitness drive her to share her passion with others who are eager to step onto the path of wellness. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals unders

Jara, a Health and Wellness Speaker for Fit Goddess Tribe, LLC, remains profoundly

grateful for her fitness journey and the individuals who have shaped it. Her unwavering love and commitment to fitness drive her to share her passion with others who are eager to step onto the path of wellness. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals understand that fitness is predominantly a mental journey, profoundly impacting the mind, body, and spirit.


Jara, in her role as Health and Wellness Speaker, has presented at multiple different local community events, spreading her message of holistic health and wellness. She's also launched two insightful podcasts, "Fit to Heal" and "Empowerment Bookstore," to provide a platform for inspiring discussions and insights into personal growth and well-being.


This transformational shift sparked the birth of Fit Goddess Tribe, LLC, a holistic wellness brand dedicated to cultivating and sustaining healthy lifestyle choices and habits. Their mission extends to the community, aiming to strengthen individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and

socially through diverse programs and events.

Suzanne Hing, Dance Teaching Artist

Suzanne Hing, Dance Teaching Artist

Suzanne learned the love of Dance and culture from her native Trinidad and Tobago. She currently teaches Dance Fitness classes and enjoys incorporating her culture through dance and stories.

Blair Murry-Webb, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Blair Murry-Webb, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Blair Murry-Webb, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Mrs. Murry-Webb brings a unique mix of community-based arts engagement, design knowledge, and mentorship rooted in advocacy. As a Navy veteran and a mental health professional turned visual designer, she understands how art can be both therapeutic and empowering, especially for youth who may not see themselves reflected in typical art spa

Mrs. Murry-Webb brings a unique mix of community-based arts engagement, design knowledge, and mentorship rooted in advocacy. As a Navy veteran and a mental health professional turned visual designer, she understands how art can be both therapeutic and empowering, especially for youth who may not see themselves reflected in typical art spaces. 


The Auburn University at Montgomery grad (BS, Psychology)  worked directly with underserved communities and youth in mental health programs, and is passionate about creating spaces that affirm culture, identity, and creativity. 


Her goal as a TACA visual arts  instructor is to help students feel seen and supported as they develop both artistic skills and confidence in their voice.

Elijah Nunnally, Drumming Teaching Artist

Blair Murry-Webb, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Blair Murry-Webb, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Newport News, VA native Elijah Nunnally is currently a student at Norfolk State University. He is passionate about percussion, and is excited to use his knowledge to enrich the experience of participants in the Youth Cultural Arts program.

Copyright © 2025 Tidewater African Cultural Alliance, a 501 c3 non profit organization. EIN 35-2644613  - All Rights Reserved.

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