By Stephanie van Vark
MIAMI, FL– May 18th was a day of celebration, highlighting students of URGENT, Inc.’s. Rites of Passage Media Project and FACE (Film, Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship) programs. The event was held at the Overtown Performing Arts Center, 1074 N.W. Third Avenue, Miami, Fla 33136 thanks to the support of The Children’s Trust and The Miami Foundation.
Following the opening ceremony which honored the ancestors and gave voice to the purpose of the event—to celebrate young, gifted and talented youth in the community, welcome remarks and words of inspiration were given by Florida State Representative James Bush III, District 109. Also present, featured keynote speaker, Dr. Shirley Plantin, of U-Turn Youth Consulting and the author of The Backstory of a New Reality. She applauded the young graduates for their hard work and for achieving a great goal. She encouraged students to, “Use your passion and purpose to achieve your dreams, but more importantly, make a difference in your community.”
“It’s our goal to champion, celebrate, prepare and support young people who are on a mission to do great things in the world despite all the distraction,” states Vice President Saliha Nelson.
During the year, URGENT, Inc., guided by principles of innovation, growth and transformation, inspire youth who live in Overtown, Brownsville, Liberty City and Little Haiti to become the next generation of social change agents. The FACE year-round internship program exposes young people to the world of work and creative design careers aligned with Miami-Dade County’s One Community, One Goal.
