The ARK of St. Sabina and Hip Hop Detoxx launched their new music studio to produce “New Entertainment for Change” during Juneteenth on Chicago’s South Side.
“We are dedicated to create new entertainment for change,” said Hip-Hop Detoxx executive director, Enoch Mohammad. “This arts and culture space will be an amazing place for youth to free their minds, open their hearts and express themselves in a positive way for a change.”
The new arts and culture space is aimed towards developing the talents within the Auburn-Gresham and Englewood community by giving voice to the youth and addressing important public, health and safety concerns that we look to extend through-out the city, Mohammad said.
The launch of the studio was planned to land on Juneteenth, a U.S. holiday celebrating the freedom of the last remaining slaves in the state of Texas. The launch of the studio is also intended to demonstrate the much needed collaboration among local organizations, businesses, educational and religious institutions.
The studio was built over the course of six weeks at The ARK of St. Sabina,1210 W. 78th Place, which was created in 1992, and was named ‘The ARK” to symbolize Father Michael L. Pfleger’s intent for it to be a safe haven for youth.
Youth participating in the Detoxx Talent Development Program will learn key artistic elements and business methods of the entertainment industry such as music production, engineering, vocal performance and marketing in a digital age, said Mohammad.
The equipment is funded in part by the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority, said Jocelyn Jones, executive director of The ARK of St. Sabina.