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Meet Jimmie, Programs Coordinator
Meet Jimmie, Programs Coordinator 1200 800 mosaic

Jimmie Comer III, is a dynamic force in youth and community development, joins us a Programs Coordinator. His journey has been marked by impactful roles, from interning at Detroit Public Theatre to founding Empower The Youth, an initiative dedicated to uplifting young voices. Jimmie’s commitment to integrity, love-driven leadership, and service has fueled his path, as he believes that everyone has a unique purpose and gifts that are meant to inspire and uplift others. Guided by this philosophy, Jimmie has navigated his career with resilience and intention. Today, he’s excited to bring his passion and vision to the Mosaic community, continuing to empower youth and contribute to Detroit’s vibrant arts landscape.”

Name: Jimmie Comer III

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Favorite Musical or Play: Much Ado About Nothing

Why do you invest in empowering youth through the arts?  

I invest in empowering youth through the arts because I believe it requires one to surrender themselves to the youth, to their needs, & to selflessness.

What volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?

I coach basketball and offer young college students mentorship.

What are the values that drive you?

Some values that drive me are Integrity, Transparency, & Selflessness.

Favorite quote: 

“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV

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Introducing Asia
Introducing Asia 1200 800 mosaic

We are excited to welcome Asia to #TeamMosaic as the new Theater Programs Specialist. Asia is a working director, actor, designer, and comedian working in both theater and film across Metro Detroit. They find joy in collaborating on creative projects and exploring new and bold ways to tell stories. When they are not working, Asia can be found snuggling up with their dog, Miss Honey.

Name: Asia Hicks

Pronouns: they/them

Favorite Musical or Play? Hair

Why do you invest in empowering youth through the arts?  

I know firsthand how life-changing it can be. As a young person, I felt directionless before I found the arts, and I’m not sure where I’d be without having that support. Creative expression gave me a sense of purpose and direction, and I want to offer that same opportunity to others. The arts have the power to help young people discover themselves, build confidence, and create a foundation for their future.

What volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?

A few passion projects of mine include collaborating with my fellow board members at The Ringwald Theatre, where we work to create meaningful and inclusive theater experiences. In the summers, I also have the privilege of co-directing the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival, a celebration of diverse voices and talents in our city and across the country. These projects allow me to stay connected to my community and continue growing as an artist.

What are the values that drive you?

The values that drive me are rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and generosity. Being who I am, no matter the pressure to fit into a mold or be something I’m not—I believe that belonging comes from embracing who you really are. Gratitude keeps me focused on what I have, rather than dwelling on what’s missing, allowing me to approach life with a fuller heart. As for generosity, I’m from the South, and if you’re ever in a position to help someone or brighten their day, I believe it’s your responsibility to do so.

Favorite quote:

“The limits of our success are just the limits of our energy.”
-Katya Zamolodchikova

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BET+ series ‘Diarra from Detroit’ comes from a creator who’s ‘a daughter of the city’
BET+ series ‘Diarra from Detroit’ comes from a creator who’s ‘a daughter of the city’ 1320 854 mosaic

“Diarra from Detroit,” which premieres Thursday on BET+, is a quirky, contemporary series about a woman in the Motor City who’s going through a divorce and becomes obsessed with the dating-app match who disappears after one perfect date.

So why was it partly inspired by old, conventional mysteries like “Matlock,” “Columbo” and “Murder, She Wrote”? Because that’s what Diarra Kilpatrick, the star and creator of the new streaming series, used to watch with her grandmother as a child in the D.

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Elan Charitable Giving Program Expands to Include Mosaic Youth Theatre
Elan Charitable Giving Program Expands to Include Mosaic Youth Theatre 1200 800 mosaic

Detroit-Based Organization Receives Portion of the $375,000 Donation

The Elan Charitable Giving program today announced $375,000 in donations across 30 communities. Each $12,500 gift was given to a charity selected by an Elan Credit Card partner. In Michigan, Mosaic Youth Theatre in Detroit was selected as beneficiary.

“We’re delighted to expand our reach this year to the communities of 15 credit union and 15 community bank partners,” said John Owens, Elan Credit Card General Manager, “From food insecurity and housing to animal shelters and youth arts programming, the Elan Charitable Giving program continues to support the needs of our partner’s communities.”

The Public Service Credit Union in Romulus, Michigan, was named a 2024 Elan Charitable Giving credit card partner. Mosaic Youth Theatre was designated as the recipient of its $12,500 donation. The funds will help support the organization’s robust youth theatre programs.

Since the launch of the Elan Charitable Giving program in 2022, $1.7 million has been distributed to 122 charities. Elan employees have also volunteered 225 hours of their time to further the impact of these gifts. Additional volunteer events with selected partners and charities will take place in 2024.

About Mosaic Youth Theatre

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit empowers young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of engaging, transformative, and inspiring theatrical and musical art. An award-winning national model for youth arts excellence and creative youth development, Mosaic has toured critically-acclaimed all-teen performances worldwide. Its class of 2023 had a 100 percent high school graduation rate. Learn more at www.mosaicdetroit.org

About Elan Credit Card

Elan Credit Card partners with financial institutions to grow their business through our outsourced credit card program, mortgage solutions, and all-in-one merchant processing platform, talech®. Our dedication to our partners, growth philosophy, and investment in technology has made us a leader in the industry since 1968. Learn more about our innovative solutions for consumer and business accounts of all sizes. For more information, visit www.elanfinancialservices.com/credit-card.

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Noel Night draws thousands to Detroit’s Cultural Center
Noel Night draws thousands to Detroit’s Cultural Center 1320 880 mosaic

The Mosaic Youth Theatre Singers perform during Noel Night at the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in Detroit.

The Mosaic Youth Theatre Singers perform during Noel Night at the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in Detroit.

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Reverberating Through the Community: Mosaic Youth Theatre Performs for Hundreds of Children in 2023
Reverberating Through the Community: Mosaic Youth Theatre Performs for Hundreds of Children in 2023 1200 800 mosaic

There’s nothing like experiencing something great for the first time. Finally hitting that high note, getting the lead role in a play, or experiencing the thrill of your very first live performance. These experiences create a ripple effect that can impact the course of a child’s life. Mosaic Youth Theatre proudly provides an opportunity for the children of Detroit to experience many exciting “firsts,” including first visits to the DIA, first theatre performances, and perhaps another exciting first—becoming a young artist themselves.

Through in-school performances, community performances, and school field trips, Mosaic reaches hundreds of schoolchildren in Detroit and beyond each year. During these performances, children see themselves on stage and realize that there is a world of exciting opportunities open to them.

Donations that come in for Giving Tuesday help Mosaic continue its legacy of providing opportunities to experience and participate in the theatre at many levels. Each year, a new wave of young artists come through Mosaic to learn and hone their skills as actors, singers, writers, set designers, technicians, and more. Through partnerships with schools and local institutions, Mosaic’s young artists get a chance to share their passions with the incoming younger generation of artists. Mosaic has created a pipeline of talent in the Metro-Detroit area that shows no signs of slowing, so long as the non-profit can continue to get community support.

Those interested in supporting Mosaic can do so through a monetary donation. Mosaic’s Giving Tuesday campaign is now live.

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Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Welcomes Five New Board Members and New Board Leadership
Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Welcomes Five New Board Members and New Board Leadership 1200 800 mosaic

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit (Mosaic) , announced today the appointment of five new board members and a new chair and vice chair who will help support the nonprofits work to create pathways to equity and opportunity for youth through the arts.

“We’re excited to partner with these five new board members who bring diverse expertise, deep commitment to Mosaic’s mission and new insights to enhance outcomes for Detroit area youth,” shared Governance Chair, Marietta Cleveland.

Terry Bonnette Named New Board Chair

Terry Bonnette, a seasoned partner at Nemeth Law, PC, with extensive experience in labor and employment law, has assumed the role of Board Chair. Mr. Bonnette is a renowned expert in his field and a frequent author and speaker on labor and employment law topics. He previously served as Mosaic’s Vice Chair and brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his new position.

Mark Denis Appointed as Vice Chair

Mark Denis, a respected member of the Mosaic Board since 2022, has been named Vice Chair. With over 30 years of experience in finance and strategic planning, including 14 years at General Motors, Mark is passionate about giving back to the community. He has a long-standing commitment to not-for-profit organizations, including serving on the Board of COTS Detroit for over 18 years.

Bonnette and Denis join existing officers, including Wisam Qasem-Fakhoury, CFO at Access, who returns to a second term as Board Treasurer, and Diane Borgus Green, M.A., NCC, who also returns to a second term as board secretary.

New Board Members Join the Team

“Each member brings a wealth of unique experiences and skills that strengthen our ongoing commitment to cultivating capacity, creativity and community with young people. By fostering these thoughtful partnerships and connections with experts in education, business, finance, and health & human services, we’re not just working to support youth and our community – we’re building an invaluable network that will empower them to thrive now and in the future,” commented DeLashea Starwder, Mosaic’s Executive & Artistic Director.

Mosaic is thrilled to welcome five new board members who bring diverse skills and backgrounds to the organization:

Dr. Rita Fields – Dr. Fields is the dual CEO of both 313 Industries, Inc. and Copper Phoenix Consulting, LLC, and she brings a wealth of experience in business and community leadership.

Dr. Denise Jacob – With a strong background in community engagement, Dr. Jacob will contribute her expertise to Mosaic’s efforts in creating a more inclusive society.

Lois McEntyre – Lois McEntyre, the general manager of customer success operations at Intuit, offers valuable corporate insight to the board.

Melissa Thomas – Melissa Thomas, Manager of Special Events at Eastern Market Partnership, brings event planning and community engagement skills to the organization.

Yvette Drayton – Yvette Drayton, Financial Coordinator at We The People Michigan, will provide her financial acumen to support Mosaic’s mission.

Mosaic is excited about the fresh perspectives and expertise that these new leaders bring to the organization and looks forward to their contributions as Mosaic continues to expand pathways to equity and opportunity through the arts.

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Meet the 2023 New Voices: Detroit Finalists
Meet the 2023 New Voices: Detroit Finalists 1200 800 mosaic

Nahla Knight
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright

Nahla Knight is a student at Fraser High School with an interest in all aspects of theatre (including dance, production, and writing). Nahla has completed the Silver Award in Girl Scouts and is an award-winning dancer currently working on a self-made routine.

Jaidyn Ray
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer

Jaidyn Ray is a young artist who has a passion for songwriting and writing. Jaidyn looks forward to the opportunity to hear their original songs performed live and would like to explore the possibly of becoming a singer themselves.

Brianna Couch
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer

Brianna Couch aka BRIIENICOLE is an award-winning songwriter from the Detroit School of Arts. Brianna was accepted into Berklee College of Music’s “Black, Brown, and Bound” program and is working on a premiere EP titled Emotional Intelligence. Brianna has released two singles that are available on all streaming platforms.

Jadyn North
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer

Jadyn North is a student at Cass Tech with hopes to make it to Broadway someday. If not Broadway, Jadyn hopes to apply the skills that were acquired through New Voices to thrive at a career in music production.

Sherida Henneghan
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright

Sherida Henneghan is a prolific writer with an entrepreneurial spirit. As a student at Denby High School, Sherida has written three plays and more than 60 poems. Through New Voices, Sherida will work on skills in writing and acting, with a career goal of becoming the next Tyler Perry!

Priscilla Massey
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright

Prescilla Masset is a writer who is interested in developing confidence and comfortability with the craft. In New Voices, Prescilla hopes to expand beyond writing and work on skills in acting and producing as well. Additionally, Prescilla was recently featured on a podcast and won a city-wide honor.

Simone Thompson
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright

Simone Thompson is a songwriter, poet, and book author. Simone is currently focused on writing improvement, time management, and bringing words to life.

Justin Cameron Washington
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright

Justin Washington is a student at Rochester High School who has won multiple awards for playwriting. Justin’s award-winning play No Prospering Weapons will premiere at The Kennedy Center this fall. Justin was also the winner of the 2022 New Voices Audience Choice Award.

Reagan Stroud
New Voices Detroit Youth Playwright

Reagan Stroud is a student at Detroit School of Arts with interests in writing, acting, and producing. Reagan has two book projects out titled “Hall of Fame,” and “The Girl Who Shared the World.” Through New Voices, Reagan is hoping to grow as a writer and begin a journey into acting.

Nicholas Smith
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer

Nick Smith is a student at MLK Jr. Senior High School in Detroit who is interested in producing music (and has already released 5 solo projects and 7 collaborative mixtapes). In addition to producing, Nick also has a passion for rapping.

Demi Ruffin
New Voices Detroit Youth Composer

Demi Ruffin is an incoming freshman at Howard University with an interest in music composition. Demi aspires to be an Orthopedic Surgeon and played on the 2022 Detroit Public School League championship team in Volleyball for Detroit Renaissance.

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The Lewis Prize for Music and Accelerator Awardees Present “Accelerating Change: Creative Youth Development Across the United States” Video Series
The Lewis Prize for Music and Accelerator Awardees Present “Accelerating Change: Creative Youth Development Across the United States” Video Series 1200 800 mosaic

The Lewis Prize for Music in partnership with Accelerator Awardees, Hyde Square Task Force, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Beyond the Bars, and Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective is proud to launch the 2023 video series “Accelerating Change: Creative Youth Development Across the United States” to shine a light on the vital work of Creative Youth Development (CYD) organizations in their local communities. CYD represents longstanding practices of empowering young people as thriving leaders in communities across the country.

Four award-winning organizations have created their own unique videos that showcase the experiences of young people in Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Saint Louis. Through these films, we have a chance to hear directly from the young people themselves, as well as the supportive adults in their lives, about how music and community have transformed their lives.

These newly released videos are a continuation of the Accelerating Change collection, which was first launched in 2021. Watch and witness firsthand the remarkable impact of Creative Youth Development in the Accelerating Change 2023 Video Series!

ACCESS THE VIDEO SERIES HERE
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Detroit-Area Youth Write Their Own Future
Detroit-Area Youth Write Their Own Future 1200 800 mosaic

The 4th Annual New Voices: Detroit Festival on August 12 Showcases 
Short Plays and Songs from Next Generation Storytellers in 8th through 12th Grade

Detroit – Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit proudly presents the 4th Annual New Voices: Detroit Festival on August 12. This exciting event features original plays and compositions written by talented Detroit-area teens in grades 8-12.

Paired with industry professionals, young artists hone their skills, creating new works that will be showcased at prominent Detroit arts & culture venues. This year, Mosaic collaborates with Detroit Public Theatre to host the festival, scheduled for August 12 at 6pm.

“New Voices: Detroit goes beyond supporting young talents; it inspires the community and fosters vital conversations,” said DeLashea Strawder, Executive and Artistic Director of Mosaic. Participants develop artistic and life skills, enriching their communities with relevant arts experiences. The festival also plays a pivotal role in expanding diverse next-generation playwrights and composers for all audiences.

Metro-Detroit youth submitted their ideas this spring for a chance to join the paid summer intensive. Finalists, chosen earlier this summer, have worked diligently with coaches throughout July, fine-tuning their work before the August 12 premiere.

A video featuring last year’s New Voices finalists can be found on YouTube. For tickets and additional details on Mosaic’s New Voices: Detroit Festival visit www.mosaicdetroit.org.

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