Chér Jey Cuffie-Samateh

BOARD MEMBER
CIVIC RESEARCHER, 2023 COHORT

Chér Jey Cuffie-Samateh is a Chicago based, multidisciplinary performing/visual artist and educator from Baltimore, MD. She has taught for both Baltimore City and Chicago Public and Charter Schools. She serves as Local School Council Chairperson, with many years in parent leadership. She has worked in social science research, case management and has a long history in community advocacy. Chér Jey's civic research and community arts activism is based in the South Shore and Greater Grand Crossing communities, focused on qualitative research methods. Her research explores the improvisational and sociolinguistic elements of storytelling through the use of Black classical music, movement, folk art and everyday conversation. She is a 2023 DCASE Individual Artist Program recipient for Performing Arts and 2013 Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Awardee for Solo Theatrical Performance. She has written, performed and produced two one woman shows and two tributes for Chicago born vocalist/activist, Abbey Lincoln.

Chér Jey currently serves as Program Director for Harmony, Hope and Healing, a Chicago based music wellness program that works with underserved populations such as those in shelters, recovery centers, the penal system and seniors. She regularly hosts restorative drum circles and pop-up community wellness events. Chér Jey received a BA in English Literature and Language, with a minor in psychology, from Morgan State University.