One thing that’s for sure one of the best ways to connect with many of the youth today is through music. George Ivey has successfully produced a “Stop the Violence Ninja Showcase” for the past three years. Ivey said his goal is to “promote anti-violence among youth and give them something else to do instead.”
The showcase hosts are George Ivey and Sean Jarrett, who said this year’s theme is focused on stopping gang violence to create peace in Chicago. It kicks off on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 12:00 Noon, in front of the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St. in downtown Chicago. The showcase features R&B singer Latasha Johnson, Jarius Jgroove Groves, RAHKii, Ashonti Lynn, Tha Twinz, Lester Jay, youth song and dance crew Trend N Topic and K’lah K-Jenay.
“Music is something that moves everybody, music soothes the soul,” Ivey said. “Kids nowadays respond better to music than they do to school.”
Ivey believes it’s important for children to have opportunities to showcase their artistic talents. This is why he hosts this showcase, to give young artists a chance to come out and participate.
“When music and platforms for them to showcase their talents are available, I think they would respond to that more so than picking up a gun,” Ivey said.
Ivey kicks off the showcase with a call to action.
“We need to build up our character,” he said, “and turn Chiraq back into Chicago.”
Sean Jarrett hosts a radio show at The Illinois Media School-Windy City Underground in the South Loop. This year’s showcase is dedicated to the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, where Ivey and Jarrett volunteer their services. The two have cooked for, and served nearly 100 juveniles at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, 1100 S. Hamilton in Chicago as part of a program at the facility. George Ivey and Sean Jarrett also produce private musical showcases at the facility with R&B singer Latasha Johnson, Jarius Jgroove Groves, and Trend N Topic.
