I Am We is a 501(c)(3) arts organization that is dedicated to building bridges between youth and community. We do this by creating art-enriched programming that creates a passion for learning, cultivates youth self-expression and serves as a gateway where youth can connect with their local and greater communities. 

In an effort to create bridges amongst youth and community, I Am We is introducing its first installment called the, "Listening Series," which will be a 

four installment series that supports and encourages inclusion and community.  

I Am We has partnered with some amazing Chicago artists to create a memorable and  celebratory  day where teens and community can come together and be  inspired and heard . And where teens can share with community their concerns regarding safety, more access to art programing and positive role models.  The day will begin with artistic expressions in song, dance and poetry. Each artist will use their art form to advocate for peace, inclusion, meaningful engagement for children, teens, community and all. 

Lilia is a Chicago artist that is dedicated to using song as a medium to awaken and bring people together. Lilia grew up around art. She observed her mom at an early age use art as therapy to educate, empower and inspire, children, women and families.  Today, Lilia has found her own gift in song. Singing is like magic for her. It gives her the ability to transcend and transform emotions. 

Lilia is an excellent example of how exposing children to the arts early on gives them the ability to tap into their own inner creativity. This allows them to investigate and cultivate their natural strengths, this alone is empowering. 

Justine is an amazing dancer and choreographer. Her dances are described as, inspirational and modern. She describes her work as a piece of set choreography that is married to the music in every way, or a piece can be entirely improvised. The most beautiful thing about modern dance is that there are no rules, no guidelines, no specific parameters th at you're required to conform to, and that allows you complete freedom of expression. Justine  represents what we believe in, and that is giving teens access to safety and a platform for them to express themselves freely and authentically.

Shaneah is a spoken word artist, public health professional, storyteller and author that seeks to combine the delivery of important emotional, spiritual and physical health messages through the art of dramatic reading and performance poetry. 

She has shared her poetry throughout the Chicagoland area and enjoys combining music with  her spokenword. She has worked with youth for over 10 years in the capacity of mentor, teacher, and advisor. 

Shaneah will be  joining  I Am We as an art learning teacher this Winter, empowering teen students through the medium of spoken word. Shaneah's energy, intelligence and humble spirit is a gift to behold, we are so excited that teens will have access to a nurturing mentor  like  her.

Nautica Turner is a Freshmen at Columbia College Chicago where she is studying modern dance. Nautica will share how positive mentorship exposed her to dance, self-expresstion, social responsibility and college. She is an advocate for teens having more access to positive mentorships  as she credits mentoring and family as the key fundamental that inspired her to share her gift in dance and movement as a medium to inspire  inclusion.

Zackery Briscoe is a Freshmen at Harold Washington College where he is studying Mechanical Engineering and will transfer to the University of Champaign in 2018. Zackery will lead a discussion that advocates for more children and teens living in underserved communities to have greater access to after-school programming. Zackery credits  after-school programming as the vehicle that introduced him to a passion for building and designing vehicles. In his Freshmen year at Simeon high-school Zackery was introduced to automotive after-school programming. This inspired him to start his own vehicle detailing business and go to college.