Shaneika's Chicago Must Know: Michael Scott Carter: A Community Hero

Micheal Scott Carter (left) Kweisi Gharreau (right)
& actress Christina DeRosa

 

When communities such as Roseland and Morgan Park are mentioned there's usually a negative connotation that follows. However, one man will try to change all that with a concept that will soon become a reality. That CHANGE is the Chicago Academy of Music also known as CAM.

Michael Scott Carter is a native Chicagoan. He recently relocated back to Chicago from London after a decade of studying and working as a part time economic/political correspondent and analyst for numerous TV and radio stations including BBC, Al Jazeera and Press TV. (check out the video below)

Michael Scott Carter saw a need for something and took action. He realized that there were no music schools in these South Side communities and decided to change that. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Scott in what I must say was an very engaging conversation. When asked what inspires Michael, he replied, people that actually do things and make things happen, really inspire him. The Director of Public Relations for CAM, Kweisi Gharreau happened to be one of the people that inspired Michael the most.

"Kweisi is one of my inspirations, shared Michael. When I experienced rough patches while over in London Kweisi helped me get through."

While developing Chicago Academy of Music, Michael teamed up with a man by the name of Timothy Hager, who has been studying music since the age of three and has also earned degrees in music performance from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and the Chicago College for the Performing Arts.

"I am not at all a musician, laughed Scott. "Tim is the Director of Music and will run the actual musical side of the academy."

While discussing charities and his fundraising target, Michael shared a key point:  

"A charitable organization don't have to solely depend on donations to be successful", he replied. " Pushing aggressive fundraising is key."

 He explained that CAM will offer students in Black &Hispanic lower working class communities a chance to become proficient in a musical instrument. This school will not only be a music school but an after school program that will include a cafe for the students.

"I want to mimic a cafeteria style set-up, said Michael. "We will provide healthy, quality food for the students."

 The CAM facility will also offer a day care center to accommodate parents of the students that may have other small children.

The Chicago Academy of Music is set to open around September of 2011. A confirmation on the school's exact South Side location is still pending. In the meantime, Michael Scott Carter has developed a social fundraiser for the CAM right here in Chicago. A Celebrity Meet & Greet is scheduled to begin Thursday May 5, 2011 and every Thursday for the next 6 weeks. All interested bloggers, photographers & journalists are Welcome to COVER this on-going RED CARPET event.

For more information Contact: Reese Turner reese@kweisigharreaupr.com

For more information on CAM Check out the website ----> Chicago Academy of Music

ShaneikaSpeaks: Readers, Stay Tuned for the ride. A new Celebrity feature every week for the Chicago Academy of Music Fundraiser. You will not want to MISS this!!