Once a “blighted community”, Morrisania’s ethnic make-up is mostly Latino, African-American, and West African, with an annual median household income of approximately $22,000. Our adult population includes, but is not limited to college students, seniors, professionals, disabled individuals, parents, and veterans. Artists of all disciplines are within this group, and specifically, musicians that compose, sing, and/or play instruments. Budget cuts have decreased funding for music programming, and youth exhibit the highest need. In Morrisania, music programs supplement public school curriculums and also keeps youth off the streets. My project would culminate a sense of identity for an underserved population, and instill pride in our community through public performances.
