Some residents have found a way to mentor young people through music. Micah Brown and Lynn Northrop have found a way to motivate some of Laurel’s young citizens through sounds.
Laurel’s Ward Four Councilman George Carmichael commended the residents who are working with the International Arts Mentors Program for their work in the municipal ward that he represents in the City of Laurel.
“It’s just one of the groups in Ward Four making a difference,” Carmichael said. “They are inspiring young people and that’s a good thing.”
The International Arts Mentors is a non-profit corporation.
Micah Brown is the founder of the group and Lynn Northrop is the co-founder. The new group submitted its article of incorporation, bylaws, and completed the process of establishment on August 26th of this year with the State of Mississippi.
Brown said the International Arts Mentors’ mission is to inspire youths to be the best versions of themselves, to inspire communities to work in harmony, and inspire an artist to be of service.
Brown said he has visited different countries and seen the effects of music.
“Music is a powerful thing,” he said. “It gives young people something to look forward to.”
Carmichael said the International Arts Mentors has launched a Laurel Campus in Ward Four of the city that creates space for children to become the best versions of themselves through instruction and performance in music and the arts in their community.
Ten-year-old Glorianna Snowden, eight-year-old Harley Snowden, and nine-year-old Sunshine Snowden said they have enjoyed their experience with the mentor group. The young people agree that learning the instruments is “fun” and “exciting.”
Glorianna is learning how to play the drums while Harley is learning how to play the guitar and drums and Sunshine is learning her skills on the guitar.
Organizers said the International Arts Mentors go into communities, one at a time, and supports the development of simple arts education programs built around the “Three-Part Program” structure
consisting of instruction of music, art, dance, and/or athletics; hands-on playing music, making art, dancing, and athletic play; and facilitate group discussion and support.
During the recent Laurel City Council meeting, Councilman Carmichael presented the International Arts Mentors a Certificate of Recognition for its work in the area.
“The City of Laurel is grateful to members of the International Art Mentors for their leadership in neighborhood involvement and wishes to salute them and Councilman George Carmichael for the example they have set for the entire community of Ward Four in the City of Laurel,” the certificate reads.
“Mayor Johnny Magee and Councilman George Carmichael of Ward Four present this certificate recognizing an outstanding organization for their services to the community in the City of Laurel.”