The Promise Zone Crew, a group of 10 area youths in grades 3-6, will release its first CD in the coming weeks. The CD has six original hip-hop tunes and two music videos based on the songs.
The songs reflect the thoughts and experiences of Janiyah Brandon, Jaidi Welliford, Jaiden Welliford, Brayden Keith, R.J. Welliford, Demetrius Hereford, Zavier Braddy-Tooson, Zion Braddy-Tooson, Saria Peterson and Samaira Peterson.
Backed by Springfield City Schools and the Clark County Board of Elections, the Promise Zone Crew was the brainchild of Camille Hall when she worked as a vista for the Springfield Promise Neighborhood. It came together in the summer of 2015.
“I knew hip-hop was popular and fun for the kids, but incorporated learning concepts,” she said. “It’s gotten a good response from the kids. They can relate to character building.”
It started with students at Lincoln Elementary and now opened to youths from any area school. Crew members meet twice a week at the Springfield Family YMCA, where they discuss the five elements of hip-hop culture.
The program allows members to express themselves musically and grow in character in a safe environment. Hall said they’ve each grown since the beginning.
Brian Keith, one of the group’s leaders, saw his son Brayden was good at rhyming and thought the Crew would be a good fit for him.
Brayden, an Emmanuel Christian Academy student, said, “I’ve learned to be myself, and I’m on the honor roll at school now.”
Horace Mann Elementary sixth-grader Samairah Peterson said being in the group is a positive release from some of the frustrations of school.
Parent LaToya Marion heard about the group from her cousin and has seen her daughter, Janiyah, enjoying it and seen her writing for the group.
“I’m very thankful for Camille and Brian and the job they are doing working with our kids,” Marion said.
“Meet the Promise Zone Crew,” the group’s first CD, is the result of 20 weeks of work. Several local volunteers including a sound engineer helped to put it together.
In December, the Crew shot two music videos. A release party for the debut of the videos and CD will happen upon completion of the videos’ editing.
The CDs will cost $5 each and proceeds will go back into the program. For updates on its release and the upcoming release party, check the Crew's event page online on Facebook.
Expect to see more of the Promise Zone Crew in the future at area events. Their first performance was at last summer’s initial RibFest.
Their ultimate dream would be to get a shot to perform on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” where talented youngsters and unknown performers get a chance at national recognition.
“This is just the beginning,” said Brian Keith. “It’s like a hidden jewel. We’re going to add more dancing and have the kids produce their own music.”
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