Black youth are being recruited to fight stereotypes that can damage their future.
The Keshotu Leadership Academy is looking to fill its second class of young Africans set to learn the leadership and character grit needed to stand up to racism and choose productive directions.
Recent gang deaths in the Somali community have highlighted the need for action, said Junetta Jamerson, program co-ordinator.
"The community worries, 'What will this mean for our future?'" she said. "How hard is it for the next young Somali, who may get straight As and volunteer? What walls will be erected in front of him?"
Keshotu aims to arm kids with language and leadership tools to break down walls through drama. The program peaks with the production of a stage play, put together entirely by the students.
Along the way, they learn public speaking, peace building and media awareness -- important in days when black youth are most typically known as hip-hoppers and gang bangers on TV and in the press, said Jamerson.
"We want them to be more confident, more prepared to deal with challenges," she said.
Working on the musical production brings character-building responsibility, said Jamerson.Working in the arts makes the participants better communicators.
With last year's inaugural production, "they sent a real message about how they want to be perceived."
Source: Edmonton Sun
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