At Tyner Middle School Thursday, Kobe Lounds, left, and Lauryn Mayweather practice their performance of “The Fall,” before choir practice.IF YOU GO
What: Unity Performing Arts Foundation of Chattanooga presents Unity Praise CelebrationWhen: 6 p.m. tonight. Doors open at 5 p.m.Where: Bayside Baptist Church, 6100 Highway 58For more information, to contribute or to join Unity Performing Arts contact Valerie at 423-779-8021 or email valerie.upafc@gmail.com.
If a local pastor has his say, no child will die of violence or commit crimes because they’ll be too busy honing their talents. And they’ll practice disciplines such as self control that will help them academically and raise their self esteem while they do it.
The Rev. Marcellus Barnes, pastor of Grace Pointe Church, launched the Unity Performing Arts Foundation of Chattanooga. The group hosts its first concert at Bayside Baptist Church today at 6 p.m.
“Some (youth) are out here profanely speaking some of the things they’re dealing with internally and they don’t know how to channel it in a good way,” he said. “So we want to give this art platform, a place for them to communicate where they’re giving life back to the community.”
Every child isn’t going to become a famous athlete, “but there’s a group of kids that can write a poem that will bring you to your knees,” Barnes said.