FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Peter Barros, Program Coordinator
(617) 524-8303 x 313, peter@hydesquare.org
Rebekah McKinney Sozer, Communications Manager
(617) 524-8303 x320, rebekah@hydesquare.org
Jamaica Plain and Roxbury: Through the Eyes and Lenses of its Youth
Jamaica Plain-- Photo Frenzy-- a business venture of the Entrepreneurship Clubs (E-Clubs) of the Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF)-- will open to the public a “gallery” of photographs of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury landmarks, captured by HSTF youth, on March 13th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The event will take place in the Hyde Square Task Force’s Cheverus Building, 30 Sunnyside Street in Hyde Square. For these youth, photography is an art and a business endeavor. They reproduce their photos on cards and other items and sell them through local businesses. A silent auction of framed prints will allow those in attendance to bid to take home favorite Photo Frenzy works. Guests can also meet the artists-- all 6th, 7th and 8th grade Curley School students who participate in the HSTF programs held at the school-- and ask questions about their process. Light refreshments will be served.
The event welcomes local leaders, business people, teachers, families and neighbors. A brief program will include awards honoring two local business leaders who are role models for E-Clubs participants and a performance by HSTF’s Ritmo en Accion dance troupe, recent recipients of a national Coming Up Taller award.
Guests may choose to make donations for Carlos Sierra’s memorial. A former Curley student and HSTF evening tutorial participant, Carlos was a victim of the city’s recent rash of street violence.
Photo Frenzy: Creative Designs by Curley Students
The Youth Entrepreneurship Program is designed to provide 6th - 8th grade students from the Curley K-8 School with an opportunity to explore the basic concepts of entrepreneurship. Through training in financial management, product development, and marketing, the students develop their personal and professional skills while transforming their entrepreneurial ideas into solid business ventures. Students partner with local businesses to market their product to the community and all profit gained during the program year is reinvested into the business. At the end of the program, remaining profit is divided among the students based on participation and completion of the program.
About the Hyde Square Task Force
The mission of the Hyde Square Task Force is to develop the skills of youth and their families so that they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a strong and vibrant urban community. All programs are developed by residents in response to community needs. Since its founding, the Hyde Square Task Force has developed on-going programs for youth and families that not only help them advance at school and in careers, but also help create positive relations and opportunities to take pride and action in our community.
The Cheverus Building, at 30 Sunnyside Street , is located directly behind the old Blessed Sacrament Church building on Centre Street between Creighton and Westerly Streets. Please use the entrance facing the parking lot which can be accessed via Creighton Street (turn at Captain Nemo's). Guests may park in the same parking lot.