Chasing Dreams

Each night after dinner, Angelique Fuller’s family knew what to expect as the then 9-year-old girl with the big voice began to push her chair from the table and stand with her fork inches from her mouth.

Seconds later, with some of her relatives still clearing their plates, Angelique would break into a soulful song. And no one, she would declare, was allowed to leave the table until after she had finished her ballad.

As Angelique, currently a 16-year-old rising senior at Dunbar High School, prepares to compete on Thursday, July 14, in City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Charm City Talent (CCT) competition, those memories from years gone by remain fresh in her mind.

“I feel empowered when I’m singing,” said Angelique, who will be one of seven young people to take the stage at Baltimore City Community College’s Fine Arts Building at 7 p.m. on July 14 to compete in Council President Young’s CCT showcase, which is being produced by the Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Inc.

Angelique, who lives in Northeast Baltimore, said she is hoping that the performances in next week’s CCT contest serve as a positive example to those who only expect negativity from Baltimore’s youth.

“There is a lot of negative stuff for children to get involved in but there are many of us who instead focus our energy into positive things,” Angelique said. “My dream of becoming a great singer is what keeps me away from trouble."

Leah Reid, a 17-year-old senior at Baltimore Talent Development High School, said her mother was the driving force behind her audition for Council President Young’s CCT contest.

Unsure if she would be good enough to qualify, Leah initially decided against trying out. Her mother, however, insisted that she at least give it a shot.

Much to Leah’s surprise her rendition of Priscilla Renea’s “Hello My Apple” impressed a panel of celebrity judges and earned her a spot at next Thursday’s finale.

“Never underestimate yourself and limit your talents. If you don’t put your talents to use then what good is having them in the first place?” Leah said.

As the youngest person to compete in Council President Young’s CCT showcase, 12-year-old Immanuel Payne had good reason to be nervous.

But the Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School seventh-grader, who played the drums during his audition, instead displayed the coolness of a seasoned performer.

Immanuel, who began playing the drums at 2, said he enjoys offering musical advice to younger children. His involvement in CCT, he said, would help him reach other students who may be searching for positive activities.

“When I’m in church and there are younger kids around me I make sure I give them advice on how to better themselves,” Immanuel said. “I have younger students who look up to me. It makes me feel good to contribute to somebody’s life in a positive way.”

Please mark your calendars for July 14 at 7 p.m. Join us in the auditorium at BCCC’s Liberty Campus to encourage Baltimore’s youth. They need your support.