Relocating to SW Florida from New York City in 1990 was an eye opener for Sharon Hill, who quickly began missing the cultural happenings of the Big Apple. Shortly after her arrival, Hill set out on a mission to change the way her new community looked at the fine arts and each other.

“I wanted to bring something special here. The people at the old recreation center in Lehigh Acres allowed me to come in and start my own after school program. So I taught what I was comfortable with – West African dance.  By 1995 Hill’s pet project had blossomed into a complete artistic movement and was dubbed Colours School of the Arts.

Fifteen years later and fully incorporated into a nonprofit charitable organization, Colours School of the Arts offers after school programs for children and adolescence ranging from Ballet to Tae Kwon Do. Each year the selection of courses may vary depending on the talents and skills of the volunteers willing to spend their time and energy instructing. To ensure that her students get the best possible results from their experience at Colours School of the Arts, Sharon Hill says “We try to get professionals who are interested in working with underserviced people to come in and teach so that the students really learn.”

Colours School of the Arts asks for a $50.00 fee every month from their students, but few can consistently pay that.  Generally, a good month would mean approximately 20% of the schools members find a way to come up with the tuition. The remainder of the cost is covered by an annual grant from the county and from the founders own pocket.

“Our main goal is to provide a positive option for young adults who may not have many opportunities because of economic reasons,” explains Hill.

Thankfully Sharon is not alone in her vision for a brighter, more creative future for her students. She is now co-managing Colours School of the Arts with Christine Peete, a long time friend with a degree in Drama from FAMU.

“It’s our desire and passion to continue doing this work,” said Peete.

Sharon Hill and Christine Peete’s organization offers many different recreational activities for young adults, but what makes Colours School of the Arts a truly unique attribution to Lee County is their latest phase of creative endeavors.

Since 2001 the school and its members have been putting on an annual production of  Maafa Suite for the community. Maafa is a Kiswahili term used to describe tragedy and disaster. Colours School of the Arts has applied the phrase as a definition and title of their theatrical rendition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

In preparation for Maafa Suite, the 80 person cast has been working around the clock. Unlike most of the schools programs, Maafa Suite is not just for youngsters. The production involves a group of performer’s ages 5-76, all eager to tell a story of mankind’s common history.

“It’s important for people to know that this play is not about race, it’s about human on human brutality. People do terrible things to each other for ridiculous reasons,” said Hill.

“Getting the word out has been the major issue for us,” explained Peete. “I don’t think people realize that this isn’t just some kids play, but a powerful production.”

The second half of Maafa Suite begins with pre-enslavement and ends in modern times. Filled with contemporary music and plenty of dancing, the play has an uplifting feel despite its severe context.

As for the future of Colours School of the Arts, Peete says “It’s our desire and passion to continue doing.”

Sharon Hill agreed with a smile.