If you’ve been keeping up with the site, then you’ve no doubt seen the Lost Childhoods posts we’ve been featuring over the past few months. Dave Coresh, G.O.D. Jewels and The Boy Illinois are just a few of the acts who’ve participated in the project, and it’s made a big enough splash that the Chicago Reader took an in-depth look into the project:
“I do believe music is one of the main components that can either hurt or help people,” says Lost Childhoods creative director Maxwell “Emcays” Mkwezalamba. He hopes to use it to address issues that affect youth violence. “Recently we’re realizing how powerful Chicago music is as it’s being recognized nationally, and I really wanted to do something positive in our city.” ….
…Mkwezalamba hopes to offer a different perspective with The Lost Childhoods. The project is about engaging positively with communities and spreading awareness of youth violence—and its release date is the third anniversary of the death of Derrion Albert, the honor student beaten to death near Fenger Academy. Albert’s murder attracted widespread attention, but only briefly; Mkwezalamba is determined to keep his memory alive.
Maxwell is still actively accepting submissions for the project, so if you’re interested in participating in any capacity, he can be reached here: music@thelostchildhoods.org.
You can read the full piece here.