Last December, Fresh Start Cultural Theatre Arts Productions hosted A Harlem Youth Holiday Amateur Talent Fest at the W.L. Bonner Youth Enrichment Center. The volunteers of America provided its production and, along with Wards Island-Community of America, sponsored this event. There was also a special performance by a sensational R&B singing group, Sidetrack.
Fresh Start is a 501-C3 federally approved non-profit Arts organization for Harlem youth. Fresh Start provided this event for homeless kids in the neighborhood. John Pinder, the coordinator of the event, was a little on the edge a bit about everything going smoothly, but in the end every child left in high spirits.
According to Frank Sumpter, a maintenance worker, the building is normally rented out for community events. The basketball court is free to the public and it also has drum line classes for any Harlem native who might be interested. Kids came together and put their own choreography twist to songs like Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and the Harlem-inspired anthem “No Music". The girls and boys were ages from about 8 and up, but they all wore big smiles.
This was an opportunity to express themselves and forget about the stress of the holidays so far from home. In the audience were many onlookers from the community and some, like Demetrius, from other homeless shelters. He said he came out to support the event in the community along with others from a men's shelter here in Harlem.
The production crew also provided wonderful service for the kids. Warren White, who has been the dj for Fresh Start for 3 years, was incredibly cool about the all kids coming over and making requests. David Mims, who has done work with other non-profits like Fresh Start for 5 years, says he is making a video for the participants in the talent show and facilities. He believes this talent show will help the kids from the homeless shelters to feel empowered and boost their self-esteem. He also informed me that the performances would be aired on channel 56 in Manhattan and on Bronxnet.
Dacia has been with Harlem Live since July of 2008. Dacia has taken the role of leader of her team and acted the part as she leads her team successfully winning three presentation challenges. 
