Harlem Against Violence&Homophobia

OXFORD UNIVERSITY ALT-ROCK BAND TEAMS UP WITH HOMELESS AMERICAN TEENS TO FIGHT HATE SPEECH  

Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Maysles Cinema
343 Lenox Avenue
Harlem, NYC
10027
7:00pm – 10:00pm  

CONTACT:     
Dr. Rachel Chapple
646-331-0117 r
ealstoriesgallery@gmail.com
harlemagainstviolencehomophobia.mydagsite.com

HARLEM, NYC – When English songwriter Nick Hampson of the band Northeast Corridor learned how Harlem parents were uniting to protest homophobic hate speech posted on the ATLAH Missionary Church sign on Lenox Avenue, he knew he must do something.  Within hours, he wrote the song “Where You’re Sleeping Tonight,” in honor of homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth, many of who are forced from their homes due to religious-based rejection. 

But the 20 year-old Hampson didn’t stop there.  The Oxford University musicology major teamed up with the youth artists of Smash Street, an American safehouse art program that helps sexually abused boys recover via art, filmmaking, photography and storytelling work.  He also decided that proceeds from the sale of “Where You’re Sleeping Tonight” will be donated to the Ali Forney Center, a Harlem-based nonprofit that helps homeless LGBTQ youth.

“What Nick and his band Northeast Corridor have done is very significant,” said one Smash Street student artist. “They have shown us that someone, complete strangers, are willing to do more than just empathize. That is remarkable and we salute Northeast Corridor for getting involved to raise more shelter beds and services for kids in Harlem.”  

After hearing “Where You’re Sleeping Tonight,” the student artists of Smash Street created a full, professional music video, with the youngest student artist being 12 years old. “Everyone [at Smash Street] played a role,” said another student who remains anonymous to protect his identity.  “We created the imagery and graphics, we did the editing and transferred it to a format in which it can be shown at ‘No Time for Hate’.”  

“No Time for Hate” is the Tuesday, May 20th benefit night staged by the Harlem parents who decided that instead of directly protesting ATLAH Missionary Church and its hate speech, they would raise money for affected LGBTQ youth instead.  All proceeds from “No Time for Hate” go to the Ali Forney Center.  The “Where You’re Sleeping Tonight” video will have its world premiere at “No Time For Hate.”

As Hampson was inspired by the video response, he hopes others will be, too. “The video had me in tears,” said Hampson. “There is something so unmistakably real about it.  It’s a reality we all know exists, but few ever actually see it.  It’s not that people always choose to ignore it; many are just not ready to face it.  Hopefully now they might find the courage.”

To Purchase song: http://northeastcorridor.bandcamp.com/track/where-youre-sleeping-tonight

About “Where You’re Sleeping Tonight” – Song and Music Video: "Where You’re Sleeping Tonight” is a collaborative music video created by Northeast Corridor and Smash Street Safe House to support the Ali Forney Center. The song, written by 20 year-old Nick Hampson and performed by his band Northeast Corridor, will be released on May 20th. The Music Video, created by Smash Street, a survivor-led safe house art program for boys, includes footage shot by adolescents whose lives have been smashed by homelessness and violence, and their typical adolescent peers. Harnessing their creativity, concern and today’s technologies, young people are reaching out to express how they feel and touch each other’s lives: “Where You’re Sleeping Tonight.” For further information please contact Real Stories Gallery Foundation (501c3) at realstoriesgallery@gmail.com  

About Nick Hampson: Nick Hampson, lead singer and founding member of Oxford alt-rock band Northeast Corridor, is a twenty year-old Music student at Oxford University.  Nick spent most of his childhood singing in English cathedral choirs as a chorister, before starring in the 2008 Royal Opera House production of ‘The Magic Flute’.  Though still a classical singer, Nick now divides his time between being a songwriter, poet and performing musician. As well as attempting not to fail his degree!  His band, Northeast Corridor, is set to be the youngest band to ever headline an O2 academy venue, playing the Oxford O2 on June 13th.  

About Real Stories Gallery Foundation: Real Stories Gallery Foundation is a registered 501c3 charity in the USA. Survivor- led art, poetry & storytelling initiatives.  Sexual abuse & sexual exploitation of men & boys. HIV/AIDS. www.real-stories-gallery.org    About “No Time For Hate”: Harlem parents have united in resistance to ATLAH Missionary Church hate speech and in support of the Harlem-based Ali Forney Center to help homeless LGBTQ youth.  On Tuesday, May 20th at Maysles Cinema in Harlem, No Time for Hate features two panels of activists and clergy discussing the needs of LGBTQ youth and what we as a community/allies can do to help.  Featured performance by singer-songwriter Nick Hampson of Northeast Corridor, as he debuts his song “Where You’re Sleeping Tonight” written in honor of young gay/transgender advocate who was murdered in Harlem.  World premiere of music video created by the youth artists of Smash Street.  Reception to follow, with special sets by DJ Lady DM and a dance performance by Harlem Dance Club.  Co-sponsored by the Mt. Morris Park Community Improvement Association, Harlem United, and Real Stories Gallery Foundation.  For more information: http://harlemagainstviolencehomophobia.mydagsite.com/home

About Ali Forney Center: The Ali Forney Center is the largest and most comprehensive program in the nation dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless LGBTQ youth. Through their Outreach Services, Drop In Center and Emergency and Transitional Housing they see over 1,000 homeless LGBTQ youth each year. AFC offers three warm meals a day, showers, and clothing. We provide youth with on-site medical and mental health services, HIV and STI testing and treatment, substance abuse support, career and educational counseling and life skills mentoring. Above all, they offer these young people the tools they need to reclaim their lives and become independent. In fact, 99% of youth in their Transitional Housing Program are employed and 77% are enrolled in higher education.