EmpowerYouth! Igniting Creativity through the Arts kicks off another inspiring year, according to the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s official press release. Lyric partners with the Chicago Urban League to encourage artistic Black teens in the city.

What is EmpowerYouth! all about?

Lyric: “EmpowerYouth! is a year-long initiative that actively engages 30 Black teen students from Chicago. The core mission is to amplify the voices of these students by empowering them to share their unique stories through various art forms. Participants meet weekly with seasoned professionals specializing in acting, composition, vocal training, dance, and creative writing. Throughout this immersive experience, students will collaborate closely with each other, culminating in the creation and performance of an original stage production. This year, for the first time, the students’ new work will be presented at Kennedy-King College, showcasing the students’ creativity and encompassing elements like music, poetry, acting, and dance.”

The head of Lyric and the CUL made insightful statements about the upcoming program this year.

Lyrics General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud: “Lyric Opera of Chicago — through Lyric Unlimited — our learning and creative engagement initiative, really values our years of partnership with the Chicago Urban League. Together, we are able to encourage our young participants to explore their own voices, power, and passions.”

President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League Karen Freeman-Wilson: “Our partnership with Lyric Opera of Chicago provides an opportunity for youth to hone their artistic and creative abilities and to expose some of them to opera for the first time. We are excited to select and welcome this talented group of teens for another year of this powerful program.”

Mari DeOleo is serving as the program facilitator, and the returning artist mentors are Mbali Guliwe, Tanji Harper, and Shawn Wallace.

Learn more about the program by visiting Lyric’s website, https://www.lyricopera.org/learn-engage/community-programs/empoweryouth/

All the best to the youth participants this year!

A Special Thanks to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for the information and image.