It was a very hot day in Renton when I parked in back of Harambee on 3rd Street next to a wall of bold and colorful murals. I saw my interview subject, Celestine Ezinkwo, by the back door with a mass of young people circling him like butterflies. It was clear that these kids adored their mentor.
I smiled. This was a great first introduction to CryOut!, Celestine’s non-profit organization for youth. As we moved inside to escape the heat, I was delighted by the brightly colored artwork that decorated the building.
Celestine was born in Africa in 1984. In 2003, when he was 19, he moved from Nigeria to America to pursue a music career as a rapper.
Since living in America he discovered his passion to help youth. Through rap music, and various other programs, he educates young people about how they can help bring change to the world by helping their peers.
Celestine has been on MTV Asia and worked with different musicians and organizations that are passionate about ending injustices everywhere.
“Speak up for those that can’t speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute,” he says. “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
While he loves to perform, Celestine says he enjoys the production and engineering side of music, and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Cal State. At one point, he thought about starting an import-export business. Fortunately for the community of Renton (and youth around the world), he moved into a different life path.
In 2007, Celestine met his wife Tara in Los Angeles. The two shared a similar desire to help young people. She was a spiritual adviser for girls involved in “Athletes in Action” at the University of Southern California, while Celestine often volunteered for non-profit organizations, teaching hip-hop and providing health information for students at Watts’ Willowbrook High School.
Together, they taught dance and created music videos for chartered elementary schools and taught music through the “Say Yes” program on skid row. Their shared vision brought light to many lives in Southern California.
They met Pastor Mike Gunn while he was speaking in Los Angeles at an urban project. Pastor Gunn is the founder of Harambee, a center for community development here in Renton. The name Harambee comes from a Swahili rally cry that means “Let’s come together to accomplish something great for the community.”
After accepting an invitation in 2009 to come perform at a Renton High School Homecoming program (attended by 400 students), Celestine and Tara were inspired to relocate to Renton.
With the help of the local Renton business owner of Mosaic Company (who became a supporter, major donor, and family friend) they started CryOut!, a non-profit Renton organization that uses music, dance, arts and workshops to empower youth and help them develop leadership skills. Celestine and Tara now have two small daughters and the program is thriving.
CryOut! offers an after-school program for teens. During the summer, they also welcome children from 2 to 11, including their 2-year-old daughter. The drop-in center gives youth the opportunity to participate in workshops, use the dance floor, learn to record, use the computer lab and socialize with others.
Often, the high-school kids help teach the younger children to dance. Dance competitions are hosted by the high school students with participants as far away as Portland, Ore.
On Sept. 6, they are presenting the “Voices of Youth”, a free community event showcasing their talents from 5-9 p.m. They will also be performing at Renton River Days.
The kids have also done some art projects for the community, including decorating carts for the Renton Farmer’s Market. The CryOut! Recording Studio is available to youth who have a passion to put out a positive message to their community. The studio is also available to members of the community for a low cost.
Celestine told me about his vision for his program and for the Renton community. He believes that the youth of Renton are an under-valued asset, and given the right opportunities they can become leaders in the community.
He ignores labels like “trouble” or “hopeless.” By listening, by loving, by paying attention and by giving young people opportunities to be productive and engaged, he sees previously troubled youth thrive, moving on to become mentors to younger participants and a great help to the center.
“They are perfectly capable of doing what I do,” says Celestine.
CryOut! relies on the support of partners and individual donors. If you would like more information about their work or if you would like to make a donation, you can visit their website at cryout.net or contact them at info@cryout.net, or at 425-243-2106.
