Project Summary

Youth from the south side of Chicago come together with artists and mentors to address and help resolve community issues through hip hop and urban arts. Using the power of music, lyrics, dance, and visual art we aim to create and inspire social change for our future leaders.

About me

I am a 26-year-old college graduate who majored in Finance; however, the field did not satisfy my inner desire to improve the world around me. Since high school, I have had the privilege of being able to work with many non-profit organizations and inspire social change, organize and empower individuals, and educate youth. My work has entailed using the elements of hip hop culture, martial arts, life skills, media, health and wellness, and the arts in general to impact the lives of those around me. I have also had the privilege to work with individuals from several organizations that are just as dedicated to improving our communities and helping prepare our future leaders. One of these individuals is Jonathan Sinclair. Jonathan is a 23-year old from the South Side of Chicago who has been able to instruct several youth and adults on dance, yoga, and the importance of health and wellness. His dance crew, Stick and Move, has gained national recognition for their choreography work. Another member of the team is Dominique Stockman, originally from Flint, Michigan. Dominique is a youth theater director with Free Street Theater and excellent emcee (or rapper to some). He is able to engage youth in activities that help them open up and learn more about themselves through performing and writing. Collectively, we all work with several other organizations such as Hip Hop Congress, the Inner-city Muslim Action Network, Southwest Youth Collaborative, and Cease Fire.