BROOKLYN, New York — Just as in the past, celebrities like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey have made generous donations, the internationally known R&B singer Usher has given back to those struggling with a range of issues — from poverty to a lack of education. He has done this with the help of his very own charity, Usher’s New Look Foundation. The charity was made to give power to young people from underserved places around the world and to create change in their communities. It and was founded with the help of his mother, Jonetta Patton, in 1999 as a result of the two coming across the troubling stories of teenagers’ lives in Atlanta and feeling the need to help the world’s youth avoid obstacles to find success within their lives.
The Success of Usher’s Charity Work
Since its inception, Usher’s New Look Foundation has impacted the lives of over 50,000 youngsters and has been a catalyst for under-resourced youngsters all across the world, including Africa, Hong Kong, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Phillipines to find their passion and fulfill their full potential. Additionally, the organization is building a worldwide network of leaders via innovative mentorship and leadership programs that help youth look beyond their circumstances, uncover their potential and discover their purpose.
The success of the initiative has continued recently with the UNL Disruptivator Summit, which took place from July 19 to 21 of this year and takes place annually, where participants participated in a two-day conference that was put together as a way to mentor high school students for forthcoming roles as leaders.
The Plan of the UNL Disruptivator Summit
Usher has commented on the Disruptivator Summit, stating that it is one of the best ways to advocate for and champion young people in general, and that this year it had planned to do the same. Additionally, President and CEO of Usher’s New Look Foundation, Careshia Moore, stated that it is an important part of the organization’s programming because it positively influences young minds involved with the program to take profound steps that will lead them to further success.
The Charity’s Positive Influence on Youth
Young people who are a part of Usher’s charity have him to look up to as an example of a successful individual, along with the people on the team behind the initiative itself. In addition, every student has their own coordinator who contacts them regularly, gives them advice and assists them with completing scholarships. As a result, many people who have been a part of this initiative have been influenced in a positive way to become better people for themselves and the world in general.
– Deon Roberts
Photo: Flickr