Charles Ahovissi

Executive Director

Charles Ahovissi is a professional artist, dancer, drummer, choreographer, educator, stage costume designer and tailor. He is an approved teaching and performing artist through the Nebraska and Iowa Art Councils. Charles began his dancing career in 1984 when he joined the National Ballet Company of Benin, West Africa. In 1987, Charles left the National Ballet and joined the Super Anges Dance Troop that toured extensively throughout the world performing and teaching traditional African dance and music.

In 2006, Charles established ACC. This organization provides Charles the freedom to share his knowledge and love of Africa through traditional dancing, drumming and arts to foster a better understanding of Africa’s diverse and beautiful cultures. Charles and ACC promote unity by offering students social and physical activity through dancing and drumming during public performances, school assemblies, residencies and workshops.

Lisa Harrison Jackson

Program Director

Lisa has a deep appreciation for both the arts and education. Her journey in education spans from teaching middle school through college, including adult ESL. Her love for the arts, particularly writing was developed in her youth and later honed as an adult. Her efforts turned fruitful in 2006 when her freshman novel was picked up by an international publisher. Shortly after, she dove into playwriting when she was encouraged to turn her first novel into a stage production, resulting in her eventually writing, producing and directing 16 productions as well as writing content for television. What Lisa enjoys the most about the writing process is the development stage where intricate plot lines are created, moving the story through the eyes and experiences of intriguing characters.

She is very excited to join the ACC team and looks forward to learning more while sharing her gifts. When she is not in her creative writing space, she is reading, tending to her garden or traveling too far off places with her husband and 2 daughters.

Denlis Bertrand

Teaching Artist/Program Coordinator

Denlis Bertrand was born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago (Trinbago), a small twin island country in the West Indies. He was blessed to be born into a musical family and was exposed to live traditional Caribbean and African music from the tender age of 6 months. Being naturally drawn to the culture Denlis began playing African drums in 2012. He quickly excelled and was promoted to drum tutor where he taught his fellow peers traditional African and traditional Trinbagonian folk drumming techniques and drumology arrangements. In 2022, Denlis began performing and teaching professionally with African Culture Connection. Even though he brings with him years of musical experience and knowledge, Denlis is passionately dedicated and committed to the holistic development of every student, with the hopes that his lessons can foster kinder, more loving and more respectful children of society.