“Closer” Songstress Goapele Packs the House for Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools Annual Benefit Concert

Songstress Goapele
Songstress Goapele

“Closer” Songstress Goapele Packs the House for Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools Annual Benefit Concert

CHICAGO (November 6, 2017) – Neo-soul artist Goapele brought fans, friends and supporters to their feet recently as the headliner for the third Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools (BSICS) benefit concert at The Promontory. Proceeds from the annual event are used to enhance student learning opportunities at both the Barbara Sizemore Academy, 6547 S. Stewart, and Betty Shabazz Academy, 7823 S. Ellis, campuses. Sponsors included BMO Harris Bank, Black Ensemble Theater, Golden Peacock, Ten35, Hoopla Communications, B&D Specialty Corporation, Chicago Community Loan Fund, Bubbaland, and Prim Lawrence Group.

During the concert, the artist shared her admiration for teachers and reinforced the need to support African-centered education. BSICS COO Rika Lee couldn’t be more pleased with the outpouring of support as the institution kicks off its 20th anniversary of successfully educating elementary students and tells the public that it’s not too late to give. “BSICS receives state funding, which is steadily declining,” explains Lee. “Since we do not charge tuition, we really rely on donors, sponsors, and other public-private sources to continue offering a quality rigorous academic experience for our students. We’re still accepting donations. The public can help by texting 20YEARS to 243725 to give.”

Goapele’s 2017 Dreamseeker EP [EMPIRE] encourages social change and boldly standing up for righteousness in the face of inequality. She effortlessly weaves between seductive and soulful, to activist, mother, poet and temptress. This delicate sonic shape-shifting is a technique she introduced on her now classic 2001 debut Closer, but she hones it to perfection on Dreamseeker.

Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools (BSICS) is an African-centered network of institutions that is culturally rooted in academic excellence for next generation leadership. In 1998, BSICS became the first African-centered public charter school in Chicago. In 2005, BSICS grew into a network of two K-8 elementary schools and one high school. Today, the network includes the flagship campus Betty Shabazz Academy and the Barbara A. Sizemore Academy. Since its inception, Shabazz has consistently produced exemplary, high-achieving students who have a strong sense of cultural identity and a commitment to make positive contributions to the community and the world. For more information, visit www.bsics.org or call 773.651.2426.

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