Usher, an Atlanta-based actor, singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, hosted the sixth annual Disruptivator Summit during the past weekend. This year’s program, which was initiated by Usher’s New Look Foundation, had two days of events, including courses on financial literacy, mentorship, and health and wellness. There were also trips to corporate offices and neighborhood businesses.
The Grammy Award-winning musician’s organization has been empowering young people of this generation and the next to become leaders and change-makers in their respective communities ever since it was founded. As a 501(c)(3) organization that has been in operation for the past 24 years, he claims that this is really just an extension of Usher’s New Look. “To find those who are already on a mission is the point and the purpose,”
The Atlanta Drum Academy performed at the opening of the 2023 Usher’s New Look Disruptivator Summit: Be Your Own SuperHero on July 20. The keynote panel, moderated by DenisèAnn Malcolm and featuring Ryan Wilson, co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, also featured journalist Tony Betton Jr. and teen influencer Dai Time. Usher closed out the first day with some reflective thoughts about the value of passion and commitment and how those qualities may act as catalysts for success.
Success has come to be associated with this great foundation. More than 55,000 young people’s lives have been transformed by UNL since its founding in 1999, and it shows no signs of slowing down. During the summit, Careshia Moore, President & CEO of Usher’s New Look, spoke to Celebrity News about how the 501(c)(3) stays relevant in the current environment. She said that the organization’s main focus has been to prioritize mental health and give the young people the right resources to survive in this frequently judgmental society.
Success has come to be associated with this great foundation. More than 55,000 young people’s lives have been transformed by UNL since its founding in 1999, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Careshia Moore, President & CEO of Usher’s New Look, spoke to ESSENCE about how the 501(c)(3) maintains its relevance in the current environment during the summit. She said that the organization’s main focus has been to prioritize mental health and give the young people the right tools to survive in this frequently judgmental society.
Who is Usher?
Usher Raymond, often simply known as Usher, is a name that has been synonymous with R&B and pop music for over two decades. Born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, Usher rose to fame as a multi-talented artist who not only possessed a remarkable voice but also an electrifying stage presence that could captivate audiences around the world. With a career that has spanned music, acting, and entrepreneurship, Usher has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Usher’s journey into the world of music began at a young age when he joined a local church choir. His exceptional vocal talent quickly became evident, and by the age of 13, he was discovered by music industry heavyweight L.A. Reid. Under Reid’s guidance, Usher released his self-titled debut album in 1994, which showcased his incredible vocal range and set the stage for what would become a prolific career.
One of Usher’s defining qualities as an artist has been his ability to evolve and adapt to changing musical trends. In the late ’90s and early 2000s, he played a pivotal role in the resurgence of R&B, bringing the genre to a new generation of listeners. His albums “My Way” (1997) and “8701” (2001) featured chart-topping hits like “You Make Me Wanna…” and “U Remind Me,” establishing him as a bona fide superstar.