.png)
Area Youth Celebrated at Westside NAACP’s ACT-SO Awards Event
The Chicago Westside Branch NAACP held its annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technical and
Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) to showcase the talent and creativity of tomorrow’s leaders from
Chicago’s west side. Over 400 people attended the ‘Youth Explosion on May 20 th at Malcolm X
College which included prizes, raffles, food, games as well several amazing student
performances. The event reaffirmed what we already knew…WEST SIDE YOUTH GOT TALENT!!
Over the course of a three months, students participated in enrichment activities through their
schools spanning 32 categories including STEM, humanities, digital media and performing arts.
WMP was honored to be a part of this initiative providing hands-on digital media training and
career exposure to students from several area schools thorough our STEAMQUEST program.
Students were able to explore various media-related careers including videographers, graphic
designers, content creators, video game designers, audio engineers and more.
The culminating event provided an opportunity to recognize and celebrate west side students
for their efforts and achievements in all areas of competition. The auditorium was full of energy
as the audience laughed and cheered on students who displayed the courage to perform in
front of a live crowd.
Creating a New Narrative
Students from several area schools were in attendance, including: Chicago Math and Science
Academy, Westinghouse College Prep, Christ the King College Prep, Proviso Math and Science
Academy, Chicago Bulls College Prep, Chicago High School for the Arts, North Lawndale College
Prep, Austin College Career Academy, Whitney Young Magnet High School, University of
Chicago Woodlawn, Irving Middle School, Ronald E McNair Elementary School, Jensen
Elementary Scholastic Academy, and Washington Irving Elementary School.
Far too often we hear of stories impacting west side youth that involve violence, car jackings
and other social ills. The NAACP’s ‘Youth Explosion’ event goes a long way towards helping to
change this negative stereotype associated with youth on the west side of Chicago. The
academic prowess, talent and creativity that was on display gives reason to be optimistic about
the future. After the performances students were treated to an indoor carnival that included
games, caterers, deserts, a 360-photo booth, and a live DJ as they continued to celebrate and
enjoy themselves.
A Proud Parent
Minion Mack was fortunate enough to have two of her children not only participate in ACT-SO
but win gold medals in their respective fields. As a result, they both will be headed to Las Vegas
to compete nationally. Her son, DeAngelo Davis, a senior at Chicago High School for the Arts
won two gold medals, one in the fields of Music: Vocals Classicals and another in Music: Vocals
Contemporary. Her daughter, Dariana Davis, a freshman at Chicago Bulls College Prep also won
her gold medal in Music: Vocal Contemporary.
Mom was super excited, “This program will serve as extreme motivation. I’m so excited to have
learned about this program, I only wish I had learned about it when my son was a freshman but
he’s a senior now. However, my daughter is a freshman, and she will definitely continue to
participate throughout high school.” Winning something like this and being able to compete
nationally will absolutely motivate them to practice more and work harder. I am so proud that
the universe chose me to be their mother”
ACT-SO History
The ACT-SO initiative was founded here in Chicago by the late Vernon Jarrett who passed way
in 2004. Jarrett was a pioneering black journalist who used his syndicated newspaper columns
and long-running radio and television shows to educate Americans about the African American
experience here in America. Today ACT-SO serves as a national enrichment program that
includes local competitions and ceremonies that offer a platform for students to display their
talents and abilities outside of sports. It is referred to as “The Olympics of the mind” where
students are encouraged to showcase their individual abilities for a chance to compete at the
national ACT-SO event.
The event also highlighted those students participating in the NAACP’s M.E.M.O. program
(Mediation, Enrichment, Mentoring Opportunities) and their work, while serving as an
inspiration to continue their academic journeys. The M.E.M.O program equips students with an
understanding of mediation, conflict resolution and restorative justice practices that can be
used to address minor altercations that could potentially escalate to violence.
After months of planning and working with the schools, vendors and parents Anissa Burrell-
Butler, the event organizer stated, “I’m just happy, I’m just overjoyed once it all comes together
that’s what it’s all about, giving back to the students and giving back to the community.” I
totally agree, let us all take steps to begin to normalize supporting the efforts and
achievements of west side youth as they represent our city’s future leaders.
Comments