In an effort to help bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement, actor and musician David Rowen, is stepping up to address these social issues through his YouTube series, DavidRowen/Creative, by creating and producing a music video of the medley, "Joyful, Joyful," from the movie, “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” which stars Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. Portions of contributions made to this campaign will be donated to Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy, which partners at-risk youth and law enforcement and creates an environment that encourages sharing and problem solving.
This particular song was chosen because it boasts an inclusive and lively blend of gospel, hip-hop/rap, and R&B music, all in hopes of encouraging and lifting the spirits of people of all ages. “Our country is undergoing a heap of social unrest,” said Rowen, actor and musician. “Animosity between different people groups is increasingly prevalent, so my goal is to alleviate the tension and work toward stimulating peace and harmony. Through the music video, I will use song and dance to show that the uniting and inclusion of varying cultures should be celebrated, and I hope that those who are afraid and discouraged by our social disparities will be encouraged and emboldened to press on,” he commented.
TAPS Academy is very grateful for Rowen’s support. “Our curriculum provides a bridge to bring together youth, police and their communities. On behalf of the thousands of youth and hundreds of police officers who have been influenced by TAPS Academy programming, we look forward to great success with this project,” said TAPS co-founder and Professor of Criminology at University of Houston-Clear Lake, Dr. Everette Penn.
The funds raised to produce the video campaign, which ends Sept. 17, will go toward rehearsal space, recording studio sessions, a video production team, location permits, various fees and other associated costs. The entire project is expected to cost approximately $8,000. To donate and learn more, visithttp://igg.me/at/
More information about TAPS Academy can be found at TAPSAcademy.org or atFacebook.com/TAPSAcademy.
Follow David Rowen at YouTube.com/DavidRowenCreative
About TAPS Academy
TAPS Academy is an 11-week curriculum-based program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). TAPS Academy’s goal of reducing the social distance between at-risk youth and law enforcement is being accomplished through learning, interaction and discussion between at-risk youth and local law enforcement personnel. Through this program, TAPS students and law enforcement personnel gain valuable insight about each other and the issues they face on a daily basis. For more information or to contact TAPS Academy, visit www.TAPSAcademy.org.
