Teens Finding Voices

We’d heard of Selma. Many have – that town in Alabama that in the 1960s rallied like few others for the right to vote and find equality for all.

Meet Rachard. He lives in that iconic place. But like many rural towns, Selma has suffered from rising crime, the fentanyl epidemic, and lack of opportunities, especially for kids. Not just some, but a lot. And no one feels the burden more than Rachard and his friends.

But even amidst the poverty, the crazy suicide rate, and the temptations of drugs, Rachard and his classmates aren’t giving up. They dream of having good jobs, owning homes, and thriving.

Rachard is doing everything he can to stay out of poverty and build a future. He gets good grades. He does any part-time job that comes his way. He even walks miles once a week to take a college class that will help him achieve his dream of becoming an electrician. And his single mom, who works long hours, is cheering him on, insisting that he doesn’t give up.

And then something special happened.

A group of performing artists from Boston visited Selma. They were shocked by the town’s condition and lack of options for young people. So, they gathered with Civil Rights luminaries who had once led the way there, and educators and ministers who were praying for change.

Then they met Rachard and his friends. The kids had a lot to say.

The artists and activists listened to their dreams and were inspired by their hope. The groups formed a coalition to create an afterschool program in the performing arts to give kids a chance to find and use their voices. They committed to attracting new industry to the area and to support non-violence teaching initiatives.

Rachard and fourteen other teens spent three weeks in a performing arts intensive led by the Boston artists. They joined the professional troupe in making a performance that got standing ovations in Selma and surrounding communities. Their amazing work became a rallying cry for the town.

All 15 of the participants improved their grades. They had no school infractions the following year, no issues with law enforcement, and each developed new life goals.

We are fundraising to support the continuation and expansion of this afterschool program in the performing arts. This program is for Rachard and other teens in Selma who are striving to overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter future.