AUBURN GRESHAM — Chicago rapper DLow will be a guest judge for a May 7 talent show at St. Sabina Academy.
Young performers will hit the stage for a chance to win cash prizes and additional performance opportunities, said Donnie Smith, co-founder and executive director of Donda's House.
Last Saturday, Donda's House, who helped facilitate the auditions worked with BRAVE Youth of the ARK of St. Sabina. They invited youths between the ages of 10 and 20 to audition for the upcoming talent show. Those selected consist of singers, dancers, poets and rappers.
They will perform May 7 at St. Sabina Academy, 7801 S. Throop St., from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 and can be purchased at the door.
The winners will receive cash prizes and an opportunity to perform at one of two upcoming events— "The Takeback Youth Summit" on May 16, from noon to 4 p.m., or the "Rally for Peace" on May 19, at 5 p.m. at Leo High School.
The first-place winner also will get the chance to audition for an upcoming event hosted at Donda's House, said Crystal Rudolph, creative arts director for the ARK of St. Sabina.
She said that there will be 12 performers, ages 10-20, vying for the first-place title. Besides the talent competition, there will be entertainment by guest judge DLow, local dance groups and a mime dance performance.
St. Sabina kick-started a campaign called "I Care Week" about six years ago to promote peace. During an entire week in May, different events giving youths an alternative to the streets were offered. The week became popular and turned into an annual monthlong campaign every May. The talent show is one example of an "I Care Month" event.
"When you think about the violence problem, we believe the solution is to provide opportunities for young people to get involved, to follow them based on what they’re interested in and to create a safe place to hang out," Smith said.
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