Dorill Initiative Gala 2026: Disrupting Through Art

By Ann Cooper

“Art is human development. Art is public health. We do not have human development without Art. You cannot spell earth without Art. You do not have a heart, without Art”. This is the mantra-like philosophy of Tareake Dorill Ramos, Founder & CEO of Dorill Initiative.

(Left to right) Malik Yoba, Christina D. Eskridge, DaQuane Cherry, Paul Tazewell and Tareake Dorill Ramos

Ramos was celebrating Dorill Initiative’s 8th Annual “Disrupt Through Art Gala” on Thursday, October 29, at The Rooftop of Manny Cantor Center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.  With the theme “A Love Letter to New York City, 22 neighborhoods, one story” the event was Dorill Initiative’s celebration of what art-programs can accomplish and a fundraiserwith the goal of reaching one million dollars by December 31, 2026. Dorill is the Ramos family’s living legacy- a multigenerational commitment to the belief that art, community and collective action can build something that endures far beyond any one person.

Actor, musician, and Dorill trustee Malik Yoba’s role was that of emcee, in an intimate space where guests were serenaded by a live Latino-music band.  Performances, storytelling and opportunities to experience the creativity and perspectives of Dorill’s young artists, underscoring the important role young people play in shaping the city’s cultural and civic future were highlights.

The artists, young people, educators, community leaders and supporters in attendance, were there to congratulate the Gala’s honorees.  Paul Tazewell, Tony and Academy Award-winning costume designer whose work is celebrated across Broadway and film, including Hamilton, Wicked and West Side Story was the Legend of Art Honoree.  DaQuane Cherry, a multidisciplinary artist whose work reflects the power of creativity as a vehicle for community connection and civic expression- the Citizen Artist Honoree. Christina D. Eskridge, the Leader of Love Honoree, is the Founder and Executive Director of Elevate Theatre Company, and a public health artist who uses theater and storytelling to explore health, wellness and community. The Ramos Family was celebrated as Leaders of Love Honorees inrecognition of their commitment to family, community and the values that helped shape Dorill Initiative’s mission.

The Ramos Family

A conversation with the youthful and personable Tareake Dorill Ramos is akin to a breath of fresh air. “I am a Black Puerto Rican gay man. Many of those identities were not understood. Dorill was the catalyst to me wanting to build safe spaces for At-promised youth and families. To navigate those identities and issues that they care about like bullying, crime in the neighborhood, climate change and things that come up in daily life that you worry about” he stated.

 Ramos grew up in the Lower East Side and went to public school and performing arts high school. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of The Arts, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts & Dance.  “New York raised me, and I know firsthand that talent exists in every neighborhood of this city. What isn’t always equally distributed is opportunity. Disrupting through art is a positive perspective motivated by love. Because we care, we’re challenging the city to do better. Art is the pulse that keeps our city and communities going.” he opined.   Ramos is determined to bring civic arts education and infrastructure to At-promise youth and families. Why At-promise?  “Because I want to reject the notion that any of our youth and families are at risk. Provide them the resources, the possibilities and promise they don’t have to be at risk.” he explained.  

At a poignant moment during the evening’s program, Ramos, like a spiritual guru, asked guests to close their eyes, while he calmly guided them through an imaginative journey into the world of a childhood mired in despair and bereft of opportunities. A fear of ICE, feeling unseen, school shootings, and academic uncertainty is the reality. This is juxtaposed against the hopefulness and possibilities of a Dorill Initiative arts program. Here, the transformative effect of the Dorill experience towards the development of a child is realized. Here is where empathy, discipline and confidence are nurtured- qualities that extend beyond the artistic world. When eyes are opened, Ramos reminds us of this reality. That Art is fundamental to human development and an essential component of public health. “No young person’s zip-code should determine the size of their imagination!” Dorill’s programs are free for ages five years and upwards; it also caters to seniors.  Dorill’s partnership with the Brooklyn Academy Collective expanded its programs to dyslectic and kids on the autistic spectrum. “Creativity is not a luxury” is Dorill’s raison d’étre.

Christina D. Eskridge

At the heart of its work is The Dorill Method, an approach that uses artistic excellence, self-awareness, academic inquiry, career readiness and civic consciousness to help young people develop the skills and confidence to become artists, leaders and engaged citizens.  

Through its work with more than 300 Young Citizen Artists annually, Dorill creates opportunities for young people to develop their creative voices, build meaningful connections and contribute to the communities around them.

Dorill’s funding comes from government, sponsorships through corporations, individual donors and foundations. Ramos emphasized that unfortunately, art programs are the first to get cut. The gala raised $50,620 reducing the targeted fundraising gap of $250,000. The funds raised will support Dorill Initiative’s programmatic and operational expansion into the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Harlem. This helps to bring its arts education, youth leadership, development and civic engagement programming to more young people and communities across the five boroughs.

DaQuane Cherry

The evening celebrated the power of art, leadership and community while advancing Dorill’s mission to expand creative opportunities for young people throughout New York City. Ramos as its founder and CEO exudes optimism and is unencumbered by cynicism during this current climate of chaos and uncertainty.

Through visual art, music, filmmaking, drama, acting, dance, and spoken word, the Dorill Initiative Team is keeping its promise.

Paul Tazewell