Meet Javoen
Javoen Byrd is the Executive Director of The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture and holds a Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of Washington. He has led education initiatives across Africa and the Pacific Northwest, directing both federal and state grant programs while advancing community education efforts nationally and internationally. His work centers on culturally grounded learning, community empowerment, and expanding access to transformative arts-based education.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Family Education and Support Services was thrilled to contract with The Hawk Foundation. Their professionalism, ability to work with our team's varied comfort levels and their ability to balance teaching and fun made our staff retreat a memorable one.
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Shelly Willis
Executive Director
“Our partnership with the Hawk Foundation has transformed what’s possible for Black wellness in our community. Their leadership and support removed financial and access barriers, allowing us to offer months of free ancestral drum classes serving elders, youth, and families. The Hawk Foundation consistently shows up with integrity, cultural commitment, and a deep dedication to our collective healing. We deeply value this partnership and the impact it continues to make.”
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Executive Director
LANGSTON
“The Hawk Foundation has been a transformative force at Echo Glen Children’s Center. Their culturally grounded programming brings healing, empowerment, and community to our youth. Whether through African drumming, cultural education, or campus events, their work inspires confidence, connection, and joy among young people who rarely receive this level of care and intentionality. We deeply value this partnership and the profound impact it continues to make.”
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Associate Superintendent
Echo Glen Children's Center