Arts & Entertainment is of the strongest emerging industries in the global economy (projected to climb to 1.7 trillion in 2017, according to McKinsey & Company Global Media Report 2013). It provides jobs for performers, filmmakers, television hosts, engineers, directors and producers; promotes tourism and local economic development. It provides a world of possibilities for disadvantaged youth.

Yet, economic decline of recent years in the United States has lead to rampart budget cuts in education, music & arts programs; as well as nonprofit cultural institutions. The economic crisis has a devastating impact particularly on Black and Latin youth who are at-risk. The cost of higher education, unemployment, predators and racial profiling are of major concern.

The majority of young Black and Latino youth between the ages of 16 and 24 are without jobs. Of all youth 51% are employed; 39% of Black youth and 47% of Hispanics have jobs, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8/13/14. Stereotypes of Black men and women on television and other forms of media serves to justify the victimization of young Black and Latino people.

Given the magnitude of the problems, solutions must be rendered that impact a large number of youth — beyond the means of one organization or the government to solve. President Obama has called for the corporate community to increase support for public / private partnerships for the Arts and Humanities.

Television and radio reaches millions of people on a daily basis and is a crucial means to reach a vast number of youth with a positive agenda that instills youth with hope, encouragement and support. Working together, New Heritage Theatre Group, 360 Entertainment International, Detroit School of Arts, other national community-based organizations and sponsors are pooling resources and making a positive difference for our youth and the future of our nation.