Los Angeles City Council Commends Kika Keith and Chan Ho Young for Youth Empowerment

The Los Angeles City Council meeting on April 14, 2000, highlighted the significant contributions of local organizations dedicated to empowering youth through creative arts. The council recognized the efforts of the Youth Empowerment Center for Creative Achievement (YECM) and its co-founder, Kika Keith, along with Dr. Chan Ho Young, the music director of Sweet Strings.

The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the vital role parents and guardians play in supporting children's success. Council members invited Keith and Dr. Young to the forefront, celebrating their leadership in providing essential after-school programs for children aged 5 to 13 in South Los Angeles.

YECM was established in response to a community need for more creative activities, and its Sweet Strings program has grown significantly since its inception in March 1999. Starting with just 25 children and no instruments, the program now serves 60 children, with an additional 100 on a waiting list. The organization aims to develop a chamber orchestra and eventually establish a South Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, along with a community music school offering various music classes.

The council commended both Keith and Dr. Young for their dedication and the positive impact of their work on the community. They expressed their appreciation for the valuable opportunities provided to children and extended best wishes for the continued success of YECM and its initiatives.

This recognition underscores the importance of community-driven efforts in fostering creativity and talent among the youth of Los Angeles, aiming to create a brighter future for the city's children and their families.