The JCCEO YES (Youth  Empowering Selves) Ambassadors is a theatrical youth group that delivers socially uplifting messages through music and drama.  The project began in 1998 as an innovative approach to engage youth in all aspects of stage production and accomplishes this by utilizing their performance skills to discourage destructive lifestyle choices of at-risk youth.  Year after year, amid rave reviews, the theatrical troupe has successfully delivered vibrant and impressive stage performances, addressing risky behavioral issues such as the consequences of participating in illegal drub culture, gangs, shoplifting, sexual promiscuity, disrespect, and smoking.  The project is unique in that it reaches and engages a diverse group of talented young people, ages 10-18.  Auditions for performers are held annually. 

The JCCEO YES Ambassadors' 2009 production, Walk as One, is a captivating story designed to engage and fascinate all audiences.  The story line follows a group of teenagers as they struggle to effectively deal with a variety of complex relationships that develop within their racially diverse school.  The summer production is a poignant yet entertaining presentation that illustrates the divisive effects of social prejudices and the healthy outcomes of social acceptance.  The JCCEO YES Ambassadors invite all audiences, regardless of age, race, gender, or economic status, to enjoy this production and walk as one united human race. 

Performances were held on Wednesdays during the month of July at the Carver Theater, 1631 4th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama.  The grand finale, held on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at the Alabama Theater, 1817 Third Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama, received a standing ovation and rave reviews!  Admission was free to the public.

HOLLIS JOHNSON
JCCEO Special Projects Manager - Community Services
1200 Tuscaloosa Avenue S.W.
Birmingham, AL 35211
hjohnson@jcceo.org
205-320-7021
205-320-7027 (fax)