Whiz Kid of The Week

Name: Mali Dada Djanite

Grade: 4th Grade

School: PS 146, The Brooklyn New School

Accomplishments: Bed-Stuy resident Mali Dada is a visual artist, singer, dancer and overall creative spirit. She is the official spokesperson and co-host of the “I Love My Hair” workshop and is helping to found the “I Love My Hair” Club for girls, a group of young girls who embrace their Afrocentric roots, while also organizing community projects to clean up the neighborhood, plant gardens and volunteer around the city. This past weekend, Mali performed in the piece “Higher Ground” and “Still Rising” for Attorney General Eric Holder, directed by choreographer Obediah Wright. She also performs in her father’s band, “The Earthman Experience,” in which she sings in Creole.

Key to awesomeness:  She’s an avid writer and journals two times a day. She loves to dance with all of her heart and spends her entire Saturdays in back-to-back dance classes. She’s determined, focused and has a loving spirit. She's a passionate drawer and has collected more than 50 drawing pads full of original clothing designs and accessories that she hopes to one day patent.

Want to nominate a Patch Whiz Kid from Bed-Stuy? Send his or her name, age, info and a photo to c.zawadi.morris@patch.com