Area youth invited to attend a community Youth Symposium
March 5, 2025
The Iota Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., invites youth in the West Columbia, Columbia and surrounding areas to attend its annual Youth Symposium on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s event will be held at Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center, 2611 Grant Street in Columbia, S.C.
Open to all youth ages 12-18, the Youth Symposium traditionally highlights some of the prevalent concerns that negatively impact youth such as drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, and human trafficking This year’s theme celebrates the transformative power of the arts in shaping young minds and fostering self-expression. With a dynamic lineup of workshops and engaging activities, youth ages 12-18 will have the opportunity to explore their creativity through music, visual arts, and hands-on crafts while discovering how the arts can serve as both a passion and a pathway to future opportunities.
Event Highlights:
Music Appreciation Session – Led by Soror Ariana Ray, this session will introduce students to various musical genres and techniques, fostering a deeper appreciation for sound and rhythm.
Crafts Workshop – Guided by Naj, participants will engage in hands-on creative projects that allow them to express themselves through visual art and design.
Parent Empowerment Session – A dedicated space for parents to engage in a discussion on “Nurturing Creativity & Career Pathways in the Arts,” providing valuable insights on how to support their children’s artistic passions.
Live Demonstrations – Attendees will enjoy an interactive Trail Ride Lesson, giving them a unique opportunity to experience art in motion through movement and discipline.
‘”The Youth Arts Symposium is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of creatives by exposing them to the power of artistic expression,” said Christian Jackson, Youth Symposium chair. “Whether through music, visual arts, or hands-on workshops, we want young people to see that their creativity has value and can open doors to endless possibilities. We are excited to bring together a community that nurtures talent, fosters confidence, and encourages dreams.”
The event is free and open to the public and registration is available on site. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Christian Jackson at [email protected].
ABOUT SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded by seven educators on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sorority has more than 500 chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Korea, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Members aim to enhance the quality of life within the community through public service, leadership development, and education of youth. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
ABOUT THE ANNUAL YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
Held simultaneously, on the second Saturday of March by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Alumnae Chapters across the nation, our Youth Symposium serves as a unifying effort during Sigma Week. The Symposium (supported by undergraduate chapters and affiliates) is designed to highlight some of the prevalent concerns that negatively impact our youth (drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, human trafficking, etc.).
