The public school system is failing. Failing the community and students - failing its dedicated instructors, too.  With cuts in arts, music programs and extracurricular activities designed to enhance the ability of students to think creatively, artistically and independently, it's no surprise student performance is less than impressive. Teachers, family environment and educational administrations are often out of touch and not inspiring the future of the nation. 

Eddie Sumlin's attitude and intent are welcome bridges for the gap between our youth and the brilliance that awaits them.

Since graduating from the eccentric-educational environment fostered by The Evergreen State College, Sumlin has been a factor in providing a place for the youth of Tacoma and greater Pierce County to go for fun, support and learning. About four years ago, Sumlin was inspired to establish Fab-5, a community-based arts and education organization that facilitates programs that empower youth and provide them with opportunities to participate in the improvement of their communities.

"It's been a great experience for our students and me during the past few years. I see the spark and growth of students constantly," says Sumlin. 

Beginning June 26, and going down every Saturday through Aug. 21, Sumlin's Fab-5 L.I.F.E. program will launch a two-month intensive series of urban arts workshops that will provide students with opportunities to explore their voices and creativity via music (DJ-ing and music production), physical movement (breakdancing), and visual arts (graffiti).

This is the definition of DOPE.  Included in the L.I.F.E. sessions are three hours of hands-on instruction and discussion. The discussions include debriefs on the students' experience during the sessions, the activities of the day and some reflection on how newly learned skills and expression can be used as assets in their communities. Through art, the objectives of the L.I.F.E. program are to cultivate communities, and empower young people to collaborate, learn, share and apply ideas.

With the downfall of public education - and I won't be flexible or waver on this dire conclusion when youth programs are constantly the first to suffer at the hands of irresponsible adults - it's refreshing that Sumlin and his Fab-5 programs, including L.I.F.E., are engaging youth where our schools, communities and families are often dropping the ball. 

For those who claim to care about the future of the nation and world, the L.I.F.E. program is a catalyst for connecting with youth and offering them some sense of voice and purpose, which is extremely vital.  With "responsible" adults and corporations sexually abusing our youth from the pulpits, spilling oil in waters and failing to deliver on promises of hope and change, time seems ripe to empower a different way of thinking and acting. Sumlin's Fab-5 and L.I.F.E. programs do just that. 

Somebody's gotta do it.

Registration applications can be found at fab-5.org.

Fab-5 L.I.F.E. Program

June 26-Aug 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday, free
Stewart Middle School. 5010 Pacific Ave., Tacoma