By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-888622.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A performance Thursday by opera diva Angela Brown kicks-off an initiative by a multi-ethnic group of local philanthropists.
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The Cultures of Giving Legacy initiative was spearheaded by 16 local community leaders of color who said they came together to "pay it forward." Their goal is two-fold. First, they want to inspire philanthropy among other multi-ethnic philanthropists to establish an endowment. The endowment pays for programs intended to inspire long-term success for at risk, youth of color.
Alphonso O'Neil White is co-chair of the group. He said they brought a group of kids together last fall and asked them what kinds of programs they think would do the most good. He said the kids told them not to waste money on quick fixes.
So, the group decided their initial focus should be to give under-served youth more access to the people, places and experiences that might inspire long-term positive goals.
Opera soprano Angela Brown kicks-off the initiative tomorrow with her trail-blazing program for diverse audiences. Brown said the goal of her program - "Opera from a Sistah's Point of View" - is to show kids what is possible by being an example and by talking to them about opera in their own vernacular.
Brown performs for 2,400 Buffalo school students Thursday morning. She offers a public performance Thursday at 6:00 P.M. in Kleinhans Music Hall. Proceeds will benefit the Cultures of Giving Legacy under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo.
More information is available at the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo.