What better way to foster creativity in disadvantaged youth and foster children than through the power and energy of music? Fortunately will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas have done just that with their Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation. Their goal is to provide these children with the necessary technical skills, education and social awareness to initiate social change. The Peapod Music and Arts Academy was launched by the Black-Eyed Peas’ Peapod Foundation on January 17, 2008, at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club. This cutting-edge arts school sponsored by the Black Eyed Peas caters to disadvantaged and foster kids aged 13-19 in South Central Los Angeles. What started as a small studio in Watts has grown to be a whole creative academy that provides hands-on training, professional mentors and an array of historical, sociological and political resources and information to aid in the development of a personal social philosophy. Will.i.am explains that their goal is “[to gather] like-minded people that excel in arts… and to give them the same tools that saved our lives.” Support the Academy and help the Peas – head on over to their website to make a donation.
Photo Credit: VIBE magazine
