West Philly Kids Entertaining, Educating In Anti-Violence Talent Show
by Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Kids in West Philadelphia spent the rainy Sunday afternoon showcasing their talents and bringing light to the obstacles they face in their neighborhood.
The Anti-Violence Youth Extravaganza is educational entertainment
"I am going to be in a Rosa Parks skit, as well as a bullying skit," said one of the kids involved.
Dozens of kids have spent months preparing for the talent show. Practicing hard at home and at school.
It's a fundraiser for the Neighborhood Education Workshop, known as NEW--an after-school program in West Philadelphia that's been around since 2000.
Director Audrey Fields says money raised goes to part of a memorial college scholarship for high school seniors.
"Jarell Seay was a student of ours, as well as Halim Lindsey. Both were taken from us from gun violence at a very young age," said Fields.
She says the scholarship reinforces the organization's primary goal
"Trying to make sure that we are reaching our kids, because they need the positive things of why I should continue on with education, why I should go to college," she said.
It also addresses issues families face in the neighborhood, like health and safety.
"This raises awareness, this starts a dialogue," said organizer Yanina Carter.
Topics discussed ranged from diabetes to gun violence. Parents heard from people who have faced similar challenges.
"To give them some other alternatives and different things they can do. It's a long battle, but we got to start somewhere," said Carter.
