THE MISSION If we don't take charge of opening doors for our youth, their future will always be at risk. The mission is very simple: It's for and about the Children! The James Dewitt Yancey Foundation and all it's members will strive to make a better tomorrow for todays youth. Madukes is at work daily in keeping the legacy alive. The Legacy: James Dewitt Yancey JAY DEE / J.DILLA) DILLA's legacy is celebrated in over 20 major cities worldwide during the month of February commemorating his birth & death (February 7, 1972 - February 10, 2006). Raised in the Conant Gardens section of Detroit, he has created chart topping singles for Dwele, Common, D’Angelo, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Q Tip, Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, & many others as well as genre redefining solo releases, DILLA’s work touched all seven continents, and left a forever mark on history and popular music.. He is credited with creating the genre known as “Neo-Soul”. DILLA succumbed to Lupus in 2006, at the age of 32. Maureen Yancey-Smith (Ma Dukes) and husband Toney Smith created the James Dewitt Yancey Foundation to ensure his musical legacy is at the forefront of providing music education. www.jamesdyanceyfoundation.org