3rd Eye Youth Empowerment

Based in New Bedford, 3rd Eye Youth Empowerment was founded in 1998 to promote youth development through leadership, community engagement, and arts education. Through the power of hip hop, 3rd Eye creates a space for diverse youth to develop creatively as young artists and to express ideas and issues that matter to them with friends, family, and the broader community. Through designing, planning, and implementing projects, committed local artists mentor youth to contribute to community and become leaders. Despite losing its space and staff in 2014, and continuing to weather an unpredictable fundraising environment, 3rd Eye has maintained a high level of visibility and quality programs. Through the extraordinary passion of Keri Cox, Lonelle Walker, and the rest of its volunteer leadership, and as a producer of regular open mic events, city-wide festivals, and hip-hop performances, it is a critical hub of New Bedford’s cultural ecosystem.