Stories in this Issue:
HBO's Addiction Documentary Premieres in Raleigh
Thousands at Easter Egg Festival Hear Drug-Free Message
TeenFest 2K7 Draws National Support
by Donna-maria Harris
DURHAM (April 7, 2007) – Booming baselines and thunderous applause shook the walls of North Carolina Central University’s Duke Auditorium for performers at TeenFest 2K7, but it was more than just noise that resonated with young North Carolinians.
For planners, it’s all part of “unselling” drugs, alcohol, and violence. The feedback from the loud speakers and from teens attending was a dream come true says, Neal Davis, General Manager of the CW 22 and My RDC, station-sponsors of the event. “We are very pleased to be on-going media sponsors of TeenFest. It’s so important that we support young people who are doing good things and spreading positive messages”
Organizers say the high caliber of talented entertainers and supporting star power at TeenFest 2K7 made the third annual performance arts showcase the best yet. Teenagers, from 14 – 19 years old, presented original messages with themes of anti-drugs, anti-alcohol, anti-tobacco and anti-violence in the hope of walking away with prize monies totaling $1,750.
National celebrities Darryl “DMC” McDaniel of the hip hop pioneering duo “RunDMC” and Christopher “Play” Martin of movie and hip-hop famed duo “Kid ‘n Play” headlined the panel of judges that chose the top three winning acts.
Hailing from Raleigh, Durham, Greenville, Garner and Graham, North Carolina, the 12 performers took the stage in front of an audience of approximately 450 teens and families.
“We don’t need to get high. We’re already fly,” was just one of the messages relayed during the performances. Other contestants decried domestic violence, under-age drinking, gang activity, tobacco-use and substance abuse. Performers used singing, dancing, skits, hip hop, spoken word, acrobatic displays and monologues as the vehicles in their attempts to deliver powerful and positive messages.
J2G, a hip-hop dance group from Greenville took home first places honors while Dreahj, a singing duet with dancers from Durham snagged second. Regina Stepney from Cary, performed a skit/monologue and found herself winning third prize.
Partners in the event say while TeenFest boasts a festive, party atmosphere that appeals to teen audiences and their families, education about the dangers of substance abuse and violence is at the heart of this annual event.
Surveys measuring audience pre and post-event knowledge are a critical part of TeenFest. Sheets containing “Prevention Nuggets” supplement the educational performances and allow attendees to the opportunity to answer questions during audience-participation exercises to win prizes between acts. A health-fair style booth set-up supplements the occasion, allowing attendees to get information on substance abuse prevention and violence reduction.
Teen Fest 2K7 is a collaborative effort by local and statewide non-profit agencies interested in furthering the substance abuse prevention and anti-violence messages. They include: Partnership for a Drug-Free NC, Inc., NC Cooperative Extension Service & Wake County 4-H Youth Development, Alcohol/Drug Council of NC, Governor’s Institute for Alcohol & Substance Abuse, NC High School Athletic Association and the Garner Road YMCA. Area high school students comprise the TeenFest Youth Council to help plan and execute the event; they receive community service hours for their participation. Media sponsors are MyRDC and CW22 televisions and Radio One.
Joining national celebrities “DMC” and “Play” were former Miss USA Latina Jessica Coscia, national super-model Sheree Betts, spoken word artist Trin-A-Thoughtz and local DJ Kraze. In addition to tremendous on-air support, television stations CW22 and MyRDC and radio station K97-5 supplied on-air talent Donna-maria and Brian Dawson as co-emcees.
Organizers say free music and notes of encouragement on making healthy choices gave teens and their families plenty to cheer about and a multitude of reasons to return next year, hopefully with lessons learned and knowledge added.
TeenFest 2K8 is already scheduled for April 5, 2008 at NCCU in Durham. Additional collaborative partners and funding is needed. For more details, please contact Donna-maria Harris at 919-630-7227.
The audience in BN Duke Auditorium showers TeenFest performers with thunderous applause.
Celebrity judge and attendee Darryl "DMC" McDaniels poses for a photo op.
TeenFest 2K7 winners (L-R): Regina Stepney, 3rd place; Dreahj, 2nd place; J2G, 1st place.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminnistration
Partnership for a Drug-Free NC