Milwaukee City Wire

MPS Turnaround Arts students from Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts are gearing up to showcase their talents at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The performance, set for Sunday, April 7, at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater, is part of the Turnaround Arts 2024 Student Showcase.

The event will feature 11 students who have been diligently rehearsing an original musical piece titled "Frederick," celebrating the life of Frederick Douglass in a hip-hop style reminiscent of "Hamilton." The students will deliver a powerful line in unison: "You can be the difference, be the change."

Ja’Rahn Leveston, the local program director for Turnaround Arts schools in MPS, highlighted the program's aim to enhance academics and school climate through arts integration. Leveston emphasized the transformative impact of arts education, stating, "The idea behind the (Turnaround Arts) program is to culturally change how these schools utilize the arts."

Leveston also noted the positive influence of arts education on students' academic performance and personal growth, stating, "That empowerment, Leveston said, is the most significant outgrowth he’s seen from arts education." The arts not only serve as a creative outlet but also equip students with valuable skills applicable beyond the stage.

Furthermore, the arts play a vital role in conflict resolution and community building, as demonstrated by the Verbal Gymnastics performance at Roosevelt. Leveston emphasized the importance of fostering peacemakers in every conflict, utilizing creative outlets like playback theater to promote understanding and empathy.

As MPS students prepare to take the stage at the Kennedy Center, the community can support their endeavors by ordering commemorative T-shirts. The performances at the Kennedy Center mark a significant milestone for the MPS Turnaround Arts program, showcasing the talent and dedication of Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts students on a national platform.