About Gran Bwa Heritage Arts

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 Gran Bwa Heritage Arts is more than a name; it is a legacy. "Gran Bwa" (Haitian Kreyòl for "Great Forest") pays homage to the hidden maroon communities of escaped slaves who found refuge, plotted strategy, and preserved their African traditions deep within the forests of Haiti. These sanctuaries were incubators of revolution and resilience. We channel this spirit by providing a modern-day sanctuary in Nashville where our community gathers to find liberation—from anxiety, isolation, and limitation—through the transformative power of cultural arts. 

 Our mission is to promote mental and physical wellness, cultural education, and community integration for all Nashvillians by providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment rooted in Afro-diasporic traditions. We believe in healing the mind, body, and spirit through connection—to the earth, to history, and to each other. 

We go beyond a single practice to offer a transformative journey that nourishes the whole self. Our unique programs are designed to be inclusive for neurodiverse youth and individuals managing anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD.

• The Art of Capoeira: Experience the dynamic Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts, music, and dance in a communal circle (roda) to build discipline, fitness, and joy.
• Cultural Gardening: Connect to the earth and heritage by learning to grow traditional plants and understand their historical uses in food, medicine, and ritual.
• Poetry & Storytelling Circles: Find your voice and share your narrative in supportive gatherings that explore oral traditions as tools for personal and cultural preservation.
• Survival Skills & Resilience Training: Empower yourself with practical knowledge that fosters confidence, self-reliance, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

 We are building a resilient, empowered community. Whether you are seeking a transformative after-school program for your child, a supportive space for your own wellness, or a partner in funding this vital work, we invite you to join us.