Would you like to help us?
Our members live in neighborhoods with a lot of drugs and gang violence. Our year-around program helps to insulate them from these dangers
Would you like to help us?
For 45 years, the team has operated in areas of high need on the City’s South Side, providing opportunities for young people from low-income families.
Would you like to help us?
61% of youth had been members for three to six years or more. While the majority attend CPS schools where the graduation rate for Black males is less than 65%.
Retaining Youth through Their Critical Teenage Years.
South Shore Drill Team uses performing arts to engage youth through their critical teenage years and mitigate the dangers of gangs, drugs, violence and high drop-out rates.
65Â Â Team members perform in over 65 events a year in stage shows, parades and competition.
92Â Â We provide our eligible members with summer and year-round jobs to help combat 92% unemployment rate for low-income black males in Chicago.
100Â Â Since 2012, our team members have achieved 100% graduation and nearly all go to college or technical school.
Engaging and Guiding Young People
The team offers a full schedule of rehearsals and performances as well as youth development programs and recreational activities which keep young people engaged.
The group performs at more than 85 events annually in a wide range of settings from high profile to suburban or small town parades to inner-city neighborhood events.
The organization surrounds team members with positive role models who include older members, alumni, parents, volunteers, and staff.
The team provides important education support and employment training to help members become responsible citizens.
45 Years of Excellence
South Shore Drill Team has 45 years of experience in guiding young people, presenting a positive image of inner-city youth, and helping those who have made a mistake turn their life around. Our experienced instructors are certified in Advancing Youth Development and grew up in the same neighborhoods where team members live. A strong parent group assists with events and fundraising, and the Board oversees finance and governance of the organization.
We do events, and travel to different venues including other countries.
Our youth learn dance and marching skills that improve their self-esteem and provide outlet for creativity.
Mitigating negative influences and guiding young people safely to adulthood.
We are always looking to raise the performance level of our members.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steven Hunter
President
Steven Hunter
Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion
Levis Strauss & Company
Samantha Fields, Esq.
Vice President
Samantha Fields, Esq.
Director Government Innovations, Chicago CRED
Donald Williams, MS
Treasurer
Donald Williams, MS
CEO & Senior Accountant
D.W. Zion Tax Services
Gregory Mathurin
Secretary
Gregory Mathurin
Sr. HR Business Partner Ferrara Candy Company
Tamika Pass, MHRM, MBA
Director
Tamika Pass, MHRM, MBA
Performance Manager, AT&T (Retired)
Jazmin Cheefus Kelly, Esq.
Director
Jazmin Cheefus Kelly, Esq.
Global Legal Lead – Health & Life Sciences, Accenture, LLP
Nina Riccardi, LCSW
Director
Nina Riccardi, LCSW
Therapist, Private Practitioner
Laron Taylor
Director
Laron Taylor
Dir., Blue Door Neighborhood Center & Comm. Affairs Lead
Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL
Eric Washington
Director
Eric Washington
Firefighter/EMT
Chicago Fire Department
Antigone Blackwell
Director
SUPER LOADED
Major Gifts & Corp. Relations
Governor State University
Arthur Robertson
Ex Officio
Arthur Robertson
Founder & Artistic Director,
South Shore Drill Team
Steven Washington
Ex Officio
Steven Washington
Interim Executive Director
South Shore Drill Team
