I AM. YOUNG, GIFTED, AND BLACK SUMMER CAMP

Wednesday, July 5, 2024, through Friday, July 26, 2024, M - F 8:45AM to 3:00PM, Ages 14 – 18

Please note location change:  MYAC North Building | 1702 N. 4th Street (West Walnut & Vel R. Phillips Avenue), Milwaukee, WI 53212

Our performing arts camp infuses cultural aspects of African and African American history led by MKE-based professional artists.  This year's theme - I AM. Young, Gifted, And Black, focuses on the music and literary giants Nina Simone, and Lorraine Hansberry respectively.

Camp staff and special guest teaching artists will guide youth-led activities in learning hands on many aspects of musical theater including spoken word/creative writing, art (costume & set design), choreography, and music.

Day of Kuumba culminating staged performance for youth families and friends will be held at Milwaukee Youth Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212 -- Community invited to attend!

I AM. performing arts camp is free to the community.  If you would like to sponsor a youth, camp scholarships and/or financial donations are welcomed.  Scholarship Donation - Cost to send one youth to our month-long performing arts camp is $1,800 per youth.

For more information, please contact Ashley S. Jordan, I AM. Camp Director

CAMP REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be currently ages 14-18.
2. Must have a strong interest in the arts.
3. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4. Must provide two professional or academic references.
5. Must participate in an interview process.
6. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.8.
7. Must be able to commit to a Monday-Friday 8:45am-3pm schedule.
8. Must be able to work independently and in a team setting.
9. Must submit a personal essay:  "What being Young, Gifted, and Black means to me"?

Please read this statement and listen to this video: 

Lorraine Hansberry was a talented playwright, writer, and activist who rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. She is best known for her groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun," which was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway. Hansberry used her art to address issues of race, gender, and class, and was a powerful voice in the civil rights movement. Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout her life, she remained devoted to telling the stories of the marginalized and fighting for social justice. Lorraine Hansberry's legacy lives on as a pioneer for black artists and activists, and as a testament to the power of young, gifted, and black voices.

Thank you to our generous I AM. Camp Program Sponsors and Supporters:

Bader Philanthropies, Francie L. Silverman, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Harri Hoffman Family Foundation, Herzfeld Foundation, Kohl's Hometown Giving Grant, Steigleder Charitable Trust.