Music is more than entertainment; it’s an identity. It is how we tell our stories and understand who we are. The Light Up the Queen Foundation is proud to support three programs that use music to help Wilmington’s youth find their identity and celebrate their heritage.
- Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) is the only comprehensive arts program of its kind in Delaware. CCAC is a pipeline of excellence for youth in the arts supported with grants from the Light Up the Queen Foundation. The “Spotlight” program, for example, provides opportunities comprised of open mics and recitals where students from underserved communities get to perform and shine. “Under the Hoodie”and other program initiatives have provided instruction to over 60 students last year, with Foundation grants helping to close financial deficits to ensure money never stood in the way of students’ learning and mastery.
- The Kuumba Academy Charter School’s Culture Restoration Project is nothing if not transformative. It uses culturally responsive and progressive hip-hop education to lead students to becoming skilled songwriters and producers. The program’s goal is to have approximately 70 students write, record, and produce music videos on topics they care about personally to build social-emotional intelligence and pride in their community.
- Cityfest, Inc. brought the “DC Sound” to Wilmington and introduced students to the history of jazz through the infectious “ja-fun-go” (jazz/funk/go-go) style thanks to a collaboration with Jazz Reach and The Experience Band & Show. It’s high-energy, immersive, and connects our youth to a rich musical lineage through live performance and interaction with the artists.
Your Shine A Light ticket helps to amplify Wilmington’s diverse and exciting young musicians and keep the music playing through grants from the Light Up the Queen Foundation. Today’s students learn to put their culture, their stories, and their heritage into tomorrow’s music through these programs. Your support helps them to know they aren’t just good enough; they belong on the main stage.
On behalf of the next generation of musical artists, thank you for supporting these programs and organizations.
