Teens created a 70’s inspired event focusing on Peace, Unity & Edutainment

Teens created a 70’s inspired event focusing on Peace, Unity & Edutainment

F.U.S.E Teen Fest empowered young people to make healthy choices

The non-profit organization TWP (Teens With a Purpose) -The Youth Movement had their 16^th annual teen event on September 14th in downtown Norfolk at the Vivian C Mason Teen Center with over 150 guests in attendance. This annual teen event was created by teens and for teens, as is the tradition, each year TWP tackles the most important issues or challenges youth face and address them head on. In previous years there were retreats, forums and theatrical productions. This year’s event marks their first ever, teen festival F.U.S.E., focusing on peace, unity, spirit and edutainment. The F.U.S.E. Teen Fest is a 70’s inspired community festival that will included workshops like STAND UP! a interactive youth-led workshop that provides practical steps young people can take to help effect positive change in their communities, led by campers from TWP’s Teen peer-led camp - Camp Inspired; WEB BRUISING a cyber bullying and web spying workshop hosted by City of Norfolk Youth Council, POWER OF POETRY facilitated by Hampton Roads Youth Poets and Baltimore Citywide Youth Poets and COME TOGETHER a workshop for parents designed to improve communication between adults and teens facilitated by Life Coach volunteer LaShandra Walker and Sabrina Watson of YouthMax.

Guest who participated in workshops, were treated to healthy local food by Five Points Farmers Market and salad using vegetables and herbs from TWP's garden on-site. The second half of the event focused on entertainment and was hosted by the new Face of Fox 43 Andria Lea and TWP member Paige Robinson. Teens experienced amazing, original music and positive music by TWP's music division Music Made Simple (MMS) and soul piercing spoken word poetry written and performed by this generation’s bravest new voices Hampton Roads Youth Poets (HRYP). The night also included a very groovy fashion show with 70’s inspired fashions. No Fine Print Clothing Collection sponsored the fashion show and also created a custom t-shirt line for Teens With a Purpose.

Special guests included Baltimore City Youth Poets who also took the stage by storm with thought provoking poetry pieces. SolStice Reb’L is a local band which features Richard Andre Love, Program Coordinator of Teens With a Purpose. They have recently participated in American Battle a national competition for bands. Local celebrity, music artist, model and fashion designer K’Bana Blaq also performed on the Main Stage at F.U.S.E.

The members of Teens With a Purpose are known for their unique approach to empowering young people to use their voice, talent and power for personal and social change. There were fun stations to compliment the workshops and edutainment. There was a face painting station, Graffiti Art & B-Boy station where a live mural of PEACE was created and youth learned how to spin turntables. Live art was also produced by local visual artist Jade Andwele captured the energy of the festival which will be available at the 2013 TWP Gala silent auction on November 1st. There was also a physical games and activity station, TWP Olympics, where youth were able to shoot hoops, hula-hoop and dance.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS: City of Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space, GEICO, Garden of Hope, NSU, She’Matters, Boys & Girls Club, Buttarcup Paints, No Fine Printing Clothing, City of Norfolk Youth Council, Leggwork Photography, Leadership & Sales Academy

Justice for Trayvon Martin Peace Rally



Photo by Em Allison Photography

On July 20^th more than 100 cities across the nation through the National Action Network, people rallied outside federal courthouses in hopes of provoking the Department of Justice to file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman one week after he was found not guilty in the death of Trayvon Martin.

 

United Council For Equality, a non-partisan social empowerment group, partnered with Teens with a Purpose to host a rally at the Walter E. Hoffman Federal Courthouse at 600 Granby Street in Norfolk, VA on Saturday, July 20th from noon to 1:30 p.m.  The event was be attended by various clergy, elected officials, and concerned citizens of the Hampton Roads community. More than 450 people attended from every race and color, clergy from various religions were represented, legislators from both sides of the aisle attended including Senator Kenneth Alexander, Senator Louise Lucas, Mayor Kenneth Wright of Portsmouth, Councilwoman Angela Williams of Norfolk, both the republican and Democratic Chairs, and more, and various television stations covered the story. Teens With a Purpose represented the youth voice and performed several spoken word  pieces and an acoustic original song.

 

Following the verdict of the George Zimmerman trial, the purpose of the Justice for Trayvon Martin Peace rally was to educate the public on their civil rights, voter education and civic engagement, and to empower youth to let their voices be heard. 

 

The Justice for Trayvon Martin Peace rally event was one of 100 rallies at federal buildings across the nation through the National Action Network, leading up to the March on Washington on August, 24, 2013 in Washington, D.C.  The march will continue the dream as we recognize the 50th Anniversary of the historic March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech.

 

The mission of United Council For Equality is to unite and empower the community to stand up for equality of all people.

 

The mission of Teens With a Purpose – The Youth Movement is to empower young people to use their voices, their energy, and their talent to affect positive change.  The Executive Director of Teens With a Purpose addressed the crowd,

Photo by Em Allison Photography

"Good Afternoon, It is wonderful to stand with all of you today. I am the Director of Teens With a Purpose. Everyday of my life is dedicated to supporting youth, helping them to find their voice and encourageing them to use their power of that voice to effect positive change. On some levels, I am not a leader but a follower. I strive to follow young peoples visions and voices, helping them arrive safely and productively at their intended destination. And so along with youth members of our organization, I am here today to encourage youth to participate in rallies, vote, march, write songs and poems - do what you can to positively impact this community, country and globe. Today the world is listening, speak peace, speak justice, speak your truth."

Teens With a Purpose are teens creatively cultivating the next generation of leaders. Support the movement, make a donation or volunteer. TWPTheMovement.org

 

15 Poets Battle, 3 Move on to the Grand Slam

Saturday, May 11th was the last opportunity for youth poets to become a part of the 2013 Hampton Roads Youth Poets Slam Team and qualify to represent all of Hampton Roads during Brave New Voices 2013!  The Southside Qualifying Slam was hosted in collaboration Tidewater Community College, Roper Performing Arts Center on Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk.  The event started with a special message from Al Roker, board of Director Member of Teens With a Purpose. The Southside Qualifying Slam took the audience on a lyrical journey with 15 young poets all fighting to get heard. The competition was fierce and a tough job for the judges. The event was hosted by local artist Seven Pierces and TWP member DaVine Chavez. The event was also recorded by Cox Communications.

The Slam had three tough rounds with music by DJ Precise in between the bouts, as well as special performances by Caitlin Messer of the Governor's School of the Arts, group poetry piece by the Teens With a Purpose and Testimony and Maria from SoulStice Reb'L.

Deirdre A. Love, Executive Director said "This was a taste of heaven....the most powerful slam since we started having these events four years ago." Sylvantria "Boobie" Hawkins attended to scope out her competition and said "The Finals will be like Hunger Games."  Per Wikipedia, The Hunger Games is a 2008 science fiction novel by American writer Suzanne Collins. It is written in the voice of a 16-year-old , who lives in the post-apocalyptic, where the countries of North America once existed. The Capitol,a highly advanced metropolis, exercises political control over the rest of the nation. The Hunger Games are an annual event in which one boy and one girl aged 12-18 from each of the twelve districts surrounding the Capitol are selected by lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death. Of course, Hawkins was not referring to a physical death but the poets will bring their best to the stage and give the audience everything they have as if their lives depended upon it!

Pictures from the Slam can be viewed on the Teens With a Purpose Facebook page.

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet our finalists:

Emily "Em" Allison, Chesapeake

Matthew St. Clair, Hampton
Ayanna Florence, Chesapeake

Raevaughn "Rae of Hope" Johnson, Norfolk

Emeka "S.O.U.L" Onyirimba, Norfolk

Khayla "Cuyjet" Walker, Virginia Beach

ShaJhea Wilson, Norfolk

 

Alternates/4th placers will battle to determine which of them will be competing for the Alternate spot on the 2013 HRYP Slam Team will determine who will compete at the Grand Slam Finals.

 

Get your free tickets 

2013HRYPSlamFestival.eventbrite.com

 

Don't miss the Grand Slam Finals on June 1st 5-7pm

Norfolk State University, 700 Parks Ave, Norfolk, VA

There will be a free college tour 4-5pm

Brave New Voices is presented by Youth Speaks and is the largest international Youth Poetry Festival in the world.

Trailer to Brave New Voices

 

Find out More about Brave New Voices 

at http://youthspeaks.org/bravenewvoices/

New Poets Move Forward at the Peninsula Qualifying Slam

 
On Saturday April 20th, 2013 the HYRP held its Peninsula Qualifying Slam at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport News. Seven poets between the ages of 13-19 competed in three rounds until three poets were left standing. The evening began with a few inspiring words by TWP's Executive Director Deidre Love followed by the "Sacrificial Lamb" Jared Frazier's poetry performance. As the "Sacrificial Lamb", Frazier performed prior to the slam poets in order to warm up the audience and judges, and generate excitement in the room. The judges' panel of five was filled by a highly qualified and impressive mix of authors, poets, speakers, and musical artists.
 

Quayshaun Moore and GodChild The Omen, Hosts

Each poet was given three minutes to perform, with the judges scoring each reading and dropping the poets with the lowest scores. In the first round all seven competing poets performed. Topics ranged from familiar problems to American society. Ashaunti Horton (13) the youngest poet to perform delivered a piece on the avoidance of becoming a statistic. Unfortunately, she did not continue, but her execution was great and her message inspiring. After the first round two poets were eliminated.


Nathanial Lovell

After the first round, HYRP Slam Coach Nathanial Lovell recited a piece that had audience members crying out in agreement and standing out of their chairs. Lovell's message was about women knowing their worth and not allowing others to take them for granted. The second round proceeded with the remaining five poets competing to move into the final round. Emeka "S.o.u.l" Onyirimba's (19) dark yet beautiful performance was welcomed by a large round of applause, and admittance into the final round of the slam. Slam poet Jaida Everett (15) gave a powerful message on always having passion even when the world gives us false hope. Although she did not progress to the final round, Everett plans on competing at the next qualifying slam on May 11th.

Emeka 'S.O.U.L' Onyirimba, 2nd Place

Matthew 'Levi' St. Clair, 1st Place

In the final round Jeanette Lam (16) was the last slam poet to be eliminated. Although she stumbled during the first round her positive attitude propelled her into the second and final round. The Peninsula Qualifying Slam was Lam's first recital at a HYRP event, and she did such a great job. Her positive themes of never giving up and always pushing forward made for an endearing three rounds. Lam says she will probably attend the next qualifying slam. The stand out moment of Saturday evening's event was Matthew "Levi" St. Clair's final round recitation. St. Clair spoke of his disability and how he beat the medical and social odds in his community. A proud college student St. Clair has never viewed his medical condition as a disability and he ended his poem with "Impossibility is an impossibility." His final words brought the audience to its feet with everyone chanting "Levi, Levi Levi!" Needless to say St. Clair was one of our qualifiers for the night.


Here's to hoping that we see Jeanette Lam, Jaida Everett, and our other competing poets at our next event on May 11th at the Norfolk Qualifying Slam at the TCC The Roper Performing Arts Center! And congratulations to Emeka "S.O.U.L.", and Matthew "Levi" for moving on to the Grand Slam.

Great job guys, and good luck!

- Danielle Ruiz

Photos courtesy of Em-Agery Photography

What time does the train leave????

Anybody know what time does the train leave????

Guess what month it is!!!!!!....Ok it is February which means……….FEBRUANY deals at SUBWAYYYYYY (YAY). Ok so, Subway is not the real reason why I am writing this blog. However, it still pertains to a train and not the kind of train or subway your thinking about.

Can you guess………………………………….???????????????? THE UNDERGROUD RAILROAD...duh its Black History Month. Ok so if you did not know that this month was dedicated to Black History then you have definitely been hiding under a rock.

But anyway, I mainly wanted to write about the Underground Railroad…and sadly this was brought on by a Subway commercial. However, as you may or may not know the Underground Railroad was not actually a railroad or train system at all. Straight from the PBS network, the Underground Railroad was a huge network of people that helped runaway slaves escape from South. This network system helped moved hundreds upon hundreds of slaves to the North as well as Canada each year.  Historians are estimating that this network to help escaped slaves began in the late 18^th century.

Nicknamed the “Underground Railroad” in 1831, they coincidentally had a lot of railroading terms. For example, homes that escaped slaves stayed in were called “stations” and “conductors” were responsible for moving slaves from one station to the next.

So What Do You Think? Could you have escaped during that time?

Oh and by the way….the “Great Escape” was not easy. Never mind travelling 10 to 20 miles between stations, running from dogs, slave masters,  and hiding in barns for your life…seems like pretty heavy stuff to deal with.

Harriet Tubman…one of the most notable African Americans for her actions with the Underground Railroad served as a “conductor”. “During a ten-year span she made 19 trips into the South and escorted over 300 slaves to freedom,”…but I you already knew that.

ANYWAYS….tell me your thoughts!!! DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD HAVE MADE IT?

Also feel free to name a notable African American…I will do my best to write a blog about it and share YOUR idea/event/person with the WORLD.


http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2944.html

Written by Ashlee Babb, TWP Volunteer

So your thinking about college....

You would think that with all the talk about the economy, that going to college would be a definite option. That obtaining a degree and even pursuing a masters would be GOLD, in the eyes of a young high school senior.

WRONG!!!

 

According to CNN 30 percent "of high school graduates do not go on to college right after graduation. In the workforce, a high school graduate earns on average more than someone without a diploma, but still only 60 percent of what a college graduate makes a year."

Often times I wonder why students in their senior year of high school opt out of taking the SATs to get into to a university. SOooooo, I decided to take the liberty of listing some college myths that may contribute to the 30 percent of students who choose not to pursue higher education.

MYTHS :

Myth #1. College is much harder that high school

In reality, college (in my opinion) is a lot like high school. Frankly, some of the classes are A LOT EASIER than in high school. I remember my freshman year of college, I had two classes called "Freshman Seminar" which was mainly a group of people just talking and interacting with one another. That Was It, just talking and socializing. Another class that I had in my Junior year was called "Story Telling". AND GUESS WHAT WE DID.....You Guessed it, we told stories. So, the classes are what you make out of it. Regular classes such as English, Math, History, etc (which everyone has to take) are a lot like high school, it is not harder nor is it easier.

Myth #2. College students are poor and starving

Not true...kinda, this really depends on what you are offered for financial aid, or what type of financial aid you were granted (i.e loans, grants, scholarships, work study, etc). For example, if a student has a grant or loan of 50,000$ and tuition was only 12,000$, then the student would get the remaining difference back of 38,000$ ***THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE***  hmm...maybe I should try a more likely amount..OK Example #2: Lets say you received a loan for 12,000$ for a whole year of college and tuition cost 10,000 for the whole year then you would receive 2,000$ as a refund. Of course,  if you have a loan even though you are receiving this money, eventually you would have to pay it back once you graduate. Long story short, you will not be completely broke, depending on you situation. I would not suggest buying a 2013 BMW or Benz...or you probably would end up poor or starving.

Myth #3. I need to decide on my career before I can choose a college

Now, I know you have heard of college students changing there majors over and over again. You do not have to know exactly what you want to do as a career/profession when you enter into college. My first year of college, I was determined to major in medical technology and now two and a half years later I decided that political science was the way to go.

Overall, college is fun and challenging...but mainly fun. Myths such as these should not be feared but conquered!

I challenge you to research a school you are interested in today and list the pros and cons to attending...tell me about it (COMMENT OR EMAIL), let me know your college plans.

Written by Ashlee Babb, TWP Volunteer

                                                                                                                       

HRYP JOINS PEERS WITH INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Hampton Roads Youth Poets joined forces with spoken word youth activists from around the globe to tackle the hard-core and heavy: political inequities, abuse, racial strife, cancer. And they don't just speak they artfully and  strategically, of course, performing profoundly - starting low and slow then rising in volume and intensity until their words are heard.

HRYP is a division of Teens With a Purpose, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to empowering Hampton Roads youth by providing young people with a platform to empower their peers to use their voices, their energy, and their abilities to demonstrate the power to effect personal change, improve the lives of others, and foster a more knowledgeable community that is more invested in both themselves and each other using the arts and through peer-led programs and events.

Started in 2007, Hampton Roads Youth Poets uses their energy, ideas and VOICE to be a change in their community. Member of HRYP cultivate and present Open Mics, attend workshops preparing young writers to address critical issues facing the world, the community, youth and the individuals. Their voice is an honest look into our youth, they address serious issues such as Hunger, Poverty, Violence, Rape, Bullying, War, and HIV/AIDS awareness. HRYP hosts a monthly open-mic night, VIBES is held on the Second Saturday of every month at BEAN THERE Cafe. The upcoming VIBES will showcase the 2012 HRYP 2012 Slam Team and the pieces they performed recently at BNV.  

TWP ACTIVISTS MARCH AT AIDS CONFERENCE 2012

  Teens With a Purpose joined thousands of Medical professionals, policy makers, and advocates for those living with HIV/AIDS at the 19th  International AIDS Conference to “Turn Back the Tide of the Epidemic.” They hailed in from from more than 180 countries, making it the largest AIDS conference in the world and assembled in Washington, D.C., for a week of speeches, symposiums, exhibits and more.

A group of Teens With a Purpose youth activists joined the march led by TWP Mentor, Andrea Castleberry. Teens With a Purpose has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Awareness since 1996. TWP uses creative & evidence-based methods to spread the message including Peer education, Spoken Word, Drama, Dance and Original Music inspired by Role Model Stories. Role Model Stories are stories that have been collected from real teens in Hampton Roads. The primary purpose of the role model stories is to model risk-reducing behaviors, suggest solutions to risky situations, and illustrate positive outcomes of taking steps toward protecting oneself. Last fall, Teens With a Purpose hosted their first full theatrical production titled “Imagine Me”. The event was held at the Crispus Attucks Theatre and included break-out sessions and workshops. The production was well received and included over 300 guests. This theatrical event, written, produced and featuring local Teens, raised awareness so Youth can better understand the consequences of their actions thus reducing their risk for: HIV/STI, Dating Abuse, Bullying, Suicide and Dropouts. To view our current Role Model Stories click here.

Teens With a Purpose work is imperative, the numbers are alarming, according to the CDC In 2009, young persons accounted for 39% of all new HIV infections in the US and young blacks accounted for 65% (5,404) of diagnoses of HIV infection reported among persons aged 13-24 years. TWP is committed to finding new and innovative ways to educate young people on how to protect themselves from HIV infection.

Al Roker back in our ‘neck of the woods’ in support of local non-profit, Teens With a Purpose

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - Television personality, Al Roker, of NBC’s Today Show, served as the celebrity host for the “Teens With A Purpose” (TWP) charity fundraiser Private Launch Party on May 18th at the Westin Hotel’s Lucky Star Restaurant in Town Center Virginia Beach. In attendance were Congressman Scott Rigell, Congressman Bobby Scott, Superintendent of City of Virginia Beach Public Schools Dr. James Merrill, Director of Economic Development of Virginia Beach Warren Harris and Regional Vice President of GEICO, Joseph Thomas and many other notable business, community, and civic leaders. They all gathered for the purpose of kicking-off Teens With a Purpose 2011 fundraising campaign Imagine Me, which will include a 3rd Annual Fundraiser Gala and Silent Auction featuring Al Roker on November 4, 2011 at the Westin and the 14th Annual Teen Event: Imagine Me - A Theatrical/Educational experience on November 5, 2011 at the Crispus Attucks Theatre. The program included public pledges of support, teen testimonials and performances by Hampton Roads Youth Poet, a division of this local community based organization.

GEICO pledged $20,000 as Presenting Sponsor of the 3rd Annual Fundraiser Gala and Silent Auction. The funds raised throughout the Imagine Me campaign will be used to fund over 25 free community educational programs, fund year-round training and group meetings for new and current teen advocates, provide quarterly incentives for teen peer advocates, offer a pilot teen summer enrichment program for 20 or more deserving Youth, and extend staffing to support programming. A portion will also be used to fund Hampton Roads Youth Poets trip to San Francisco to represent Hampton Roads in an international youth poetry competition BRAVE NEW VOICES, as seen on HBO.

“Teens with a Purpose” was developed in 1996 with a mission to promote abstinence and help build self-esteem through innovative programs for teens in the Hampton Roads area. Throughout the year, TWP hosts numerous events and seminars to provide HIV and STD prevention information and focus on preventing gang violence, dating abuse, teen pregnancy, distracted teen driving and other life-changing issues facing today’s teens. Through open mic’s and edutainment workshops, local youth serve as facilitators, presenters, and peer mentors. Additionally, the organization utilizes evidence based curriculums such as Community Promise; Choose Respect, Reducing the Risk and Sistah.

“We want to continue to provide young people with a platform to empower one another while using their voices, energy and talents to effect personal change. Utilizing the arts, peer-led programs and community events allows them to assist in improving the lives of others and foster a more knowledgeable community. All while in a nonjudgmental safe environment,” states Deirdre A. Love, Founder and Executive Director of TWP.

TWP Launch Party with special guest Al Roker

NBC Today Show Host Al Roker was the special guest at the VIP Launch Party for Teens With a Purpose. Teens With a Purpose was founded to provide HIV & STD prevention services to teens considered at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. Its mission is to “To provide young people with a platform to empower their peers to use their voices, their energy, and their abilities to demonstrate the power to effect personal change, improve the lives of others, and foster a more knowledgeable community that is more invested in both themselves and each other using the arts and through peer-led programs and events. TWP has an emphasize on education and prevention of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and provide a non-judgmental, safe, environment for self expression for all young people.”  Along with Al Roker, Congressman Scott Rigell and Congressman Bobby Scott where in attendance. The 3rd Annual Teens With a Purpose Gala will be held at The Westin Town Center in Virginia Beach, Va on November 4th, 2011.

TWP Named GEICO Volunteer Partner of the Year Award

"Teens With Purpose has added a new initiative - safe driving. GEICO is proud to partner with Teens With Purpose to share information with teens and their parents about the importance of safe driving.

This past year, Teens With Purpose was honored with the GEICO Volunteer Partner of the Year Award for their efforts to empower teens to use their voices, their energy, and their abilities to demonstrate the power to effect personal change, improve the lives of others, and foster a more knowledgeable community."