Glowing and Growing with the Global Girls Inc..

On a recent Sunday afternoon I had the honor and pleasure of shooting the 20th Anniversary Gala of the 'Global Girls Inc.

This organization is dedicated to introducing Black children to the arts, and these are some very talented kids.

Marvinetta Penn has been hard at her good work for 20 years.  This shero has been the guiding light for a very fortunate group who studied with her for the last 20 years.  Ms. Penn has wrought miracles, pushed past barriers and overcome roadblocks for the benefit of two generations of Chicago's children.

The Global Girls studio is a hidden gem in the hood. Here is a sanctuary, a safe space dedicated to performing arts as well as education and life lessons.  It is not just Global Girls, there is also Global Gents and Global Seniors.

Ms. Penn taught in the CPS system for 17 years and decided her unique skill sets would be better utilized by direct contact with the children she so dearly loves.

And they love her right back.

The venue, The Quarry on 75th Street was packed to the rafters with proud parents and avid supporters.  I had a ball shooting this event mainly due to the pride and delight that filled the air.

The young artists hit the stage running, so dedicated, so excited, so involved.  Heartwarming is the best descriptive term I can use.

Our people showed up and celebrated right along with the well-prepared performers. 

The crowd was filled with  enthusiastic supporters of the arts in Chicago, so it was like a family reunion. There was dancing in seats, singing along with the performers.  Such an inspiring and life affirming energy was evident in the smiles and laughter of performers and the audience.

The children and young adults involved with Global Girls, Inc. were prepared, patient and proficient.  Each participant brought fire to their performances. The camaraderie and mutual concern was a delight to behold.

My wish is that every Black child have access to a mentor on the caliber of Marvinetta Penn.

She lives and breathes for her programs, and it showed in the polished perfection of the event.

I did not discover this wonderful program until 2 months ago, but I now a staunch supporter of this worthwhile endeavor.

If I was a mother with children, I would entrust them to Marvinetta.  An able ally for the youth of the southside of Chicago, a champion for the people, she feeds their imaginations, aspirations and goals.

Several alumni of the program are now doing big things with the skills they learned
from Ms. Penn

.With such dedicated, innovative and love, I predict Global Girls Inc.  will be around for another 20 years at least.

You can find out more about this group on the website -http://www.globalgirlsinc.org/