A Day of Service at Bloombars

Written by Ashley Simmons.

On Monday January 18th, 2010, the Gandhi Brigade collaborated with BloomBars, a non-profit organization located in Washington, DC that uses the arts as a means to affect their community. As a part of our Day of Service, several Gandhi Brigade youth learned about the significance of utilizing the arts in advocacy and community change.

Among the various programs offered at BloomBars, there are programs designed for young people which, in turn, has allowed BloomBars to become a haven in DC for young people to congregate safely and amicably. Gandhi Brigade youth were challenged to create a mural inspired by the question: what would a safe space for youth in Montgomery County look like? With the help of BloomBars' artist-in residence Asheru (writer of the theme song for the animated show "Boondocks" and recipient of the Peabody award), the young people wrote a hip hop song inspired by the mural they created earlier. Furthermore, the youth plan to have the song ready for future meetings with the Silver Spring city council about the pressing issue of youth space in the area.