History of The Circles Edge, Inc.
How we got started
Imeh Smith, founding president of The Circles Edge, Inc. and The Alvin T. Smith Foundation, realized growing up (as well as being a victim) that from grade school on up, there are no major programs addressing the root cause of being teased, ostracized, taunted, and feeling left out. Since Columbine High shooting there have been administrators, social groups, and people trying to implement programs to address peer mediation, tolerance, and various other things along the lines of fitting in, acceptance, and anti-bullying. There however still is a deep atmosphere of bullying, neglect, and forced conformity in most schools as well as many work environments! As they say, bullying is not isolated to schools. It happens in work, in church, and in many other arenas in life!
Imeh Smith also is the daughter of Alvin T. Smith, as well as a published writer, artist, and creator of various programs with similar missions as The Circles Edge, Inc. She feels that the biggest reason for being ostracized and being left out is from misunderstanding, stereotypes, and myths – i.e. ignorance. What people do not understand, they fear and/or reject. She feels that once someone is educated of their ignorance, they will begin to understand. Once one understands, one begins to accept and not ostracize.
The Circle’s Edge, Inc.™ has been around for over a decade. They started small activities around Howard Univ. School of Communications. Here are some of their past accomplishments, current activities, and future goals.
Below are some of our past accomplishments:
• Establish meetings and practices at Howard Univ. in 1997 collaborating with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, H U students, and local community members.
• Roots Alt. Learning Center 1998
Established an after school program for the youth which culminated in an art shows at various locations in the DC area including the Culture Cafe
• Model Secondary School for the Deaf 1998
Established an after school program for the high school students which concluded in an art shows at various locations in the DC area including the Culture Cafe
• Heartland nursing home 1998
One of the places we performed at with the various after school programs we established
• Culture Cafe show 1998
One of the places we performed at with the various after school programs we established
• Presentations in Japan showcasing American culture and dispelling myths 2000 and 2001
• Established the websites for our organization in 2001(www.circlesedge.org and www.alvinscollection.com)
• Incorporated and received 501c3 non-profit status 2001
• Seminar at MLK Library feat. Woodlawn High School art students 2002
• Establish The Circles Edge, Inc. as a SGA (Student Government Association) approved group 2002
• Creating and implementing an awareness program on Levels of Ability collaborating with National Deaf Dance Theater, Open Circle Theater, Seize the Day Dance Troupe, among other persons dispelling the myths and stereotypes regarding ability and disability.
• Create a banner displaying at the College Park Volunteer Fire Dept
• Presented Just Being Me at Rachel Women's Day Center in NW, DC.
