A deep commitment to empowering young voices
In today’s world, where young voices often fight to be heard, COMPAS proudly helps them cut through the noise by working with partners to amplify their call and create space for their ideas to shine.
That work includes supporting programs like the Saint Paul Get Down. Last summer, the program again created a vibrant space that uplifted youth, engaged families, and changed lives through the transformative power of hip hop. “Everything about the Get Down was a very beautiful process,” enthused Simmia Nelson, an 18-year-old artist who performs as 5immia. “I just want to start there.”
Mentorship powered by COMPAS
The Get Down offers youth ages 14-25 a chance to immerse themselves in hip hop through hands-on mentoring and performance opportunities. In the program’s second year, COMPAS, with leadership from staff member Jes Reyes, along with valued partners like Saint Paul Parks and Rec and Keystone Best Buy Teen Tech Center, played a leading role in providing a summer brimming with artistic growth and connection. Mario Stokes, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation’s Community Recreation Director, saw the program’s potential for even greater impact. “The need is there, the want is there,” he says, underscoring the deep commitment to empowering young voices. This dedication laid the groundwork for a stronger, more transformative second year.
5immia exemplified this spirit by returning not only as a performer but also as a leader, taking initiative in event planning and sound design. “Mario did a great job saying, ‘Hey look!… A lot of the artists, specifically in Saint Paul, and really in the Twin Cities in general, aren’t getting enough of the recognition that they need,’” he explains. Inspired by the mentorship and support, 5immia rose to the challenge of leadership: “I’m gonna be a leader that’s gonna make new leaders.”
A lifeline for the next generation of creators
COMPAS’s involvement was fueled by a chance reconnection. In the fall of 2023, veteran COMPAS spoken word artist and Principal Teaching Artist Frank Sentwali walked into the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, eager to deepen COMPAS’s connections with Saint Paul’s youth. Mario recognized Frank immediately, having been one of his students years ago. Their reunion sparked a collaboration that transformed the Get Down. “Bringing in COMPAS has been the spark that the program really needed,” Mario emphasizes.
COMPAS Teaching Artist Terrell X provided unparalleled mentorship and resources. Terrell X, also known as Carnage the Executioner, dedicated his summer to guiding 16 talented youths selected from 70 applicants. “Hip hop speaks their language. It’s not something they’re getting inside or outside of school,” he says. As a seasoned performer who started as a self-taught beatboxer, Terrell’s journey exemplifies resilience and creativity, and he shares these lessons with each mentee.
The connections fostered through the Get Down often lead to life-changing opportunities. For Myallo, a 23-year-old performer and participant, it meant an invitation to play piano at Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s address this fall. “That would have never happened if I didn’t do this program,” Myallo reflects. “It made me believe anything is possible.”
Mario sums up the program’s impact, saying, “I want to give young people something I always wanted and never had. Some people have such a hard time opening that door that they give up. And that’s the last thing we want.” With COMPAS and its partners leading the way, the Get Down has once again proven that art has the power to create rare opportunities and forge lasting connections.
What’s next?
Big things are on the way! Stay tuned for a winter edition of the Get Down on December 20, open to artists of any genre. If you are an artist 14-24 who is interested in participating in the Winter Get Down, or if there is a young artist in your life, visit the QR code below to learn more and submit an application. You can also reach out to Jes ([email protected]) or Frank ([email protected]) for more info.
