Musical Group Brings Message

Tools

By Liz Tufts

Story Published: May 2, 2008 at 8:42 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 2, 2008 at 8:42 PM EDT

A group of New York City teens is bringing their message of anti-gang violence, and the importance of staying in school to Springfield students.

The group calls themselves the Respect Project and teens from New York's roughest and toughest streets are trying to teach the country's youth a lesson, but they are doing it their way.

On Friday, the group brought their individual stories to the stage at Springfield Technical Community College and through their artistic talents they hope to change the world. "It's about embracing them and listening to what these teens have to say, " said founder of the group, George Faison.

So far their musical message is hitting home with local teens. "I thought the show was a great inspiration to young people to stay off the streets, and stay in school, never let anyone hold you down from your dreams, " said High School of Commerce student, Corissa Schular.

The traveling group hopes to bring their message to other teens across the country because if they can't bring this message home, no one can. "It's like having another young person tell you its better to stay off streets, to us adults don't know what we are living, these teens already have been through it," added Schular.

UMass-Amherst Outreached worked with Springfield Technical Community College to make this event possible.

Next article Teen Arrested For Take-Out Food Murder

Add a comment

More Good Stuff

Weather

Current Temp 93.0 °F

A Few Clouds

Wind : Southwest at 15.0 MPH (13 KT)

Humidity : 42 %

Pressure : 1012.5 mb

More Weather

Weather

More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.