In August 1993, a group of young people decided they wanted to help their peers replace negative attitudes about their lives and their communities with positive, constructive attitudes. From the vision of these young people along with the support of Mr. Tajudeena Jones, Totally Positive Productions (TPP) was born.

Mr. Jones, the Founder of TPP, reasoned that a message filled with hope could be best communicated through media that young people enjoyed, such as music, dance and rap. Therefore, the organization’s mission is “to produce positive rap, singing, dance and spoken word talent competitions as well as positive off-the-street activities for youth and young adults ages 9 to 25 as a deterrent to drug and gang violence.”

TPP is totally committed to young people, particularly anti-youth violence. To date, over 700 youths have participated in TPP’s afterschool and weekend programs. Their afterschool and weekend Community Works Crime Prevention Program as well as their letter of support from the National Crime Prevention Council (Washington, DC) dated November 6, 2006 are examples of their commitment.

“Many of our participants have finished high school and now attend college. They are receiving good progress reports, are on the Honor Roll and Dean Lists, and hold school president and other leadership positions,” says Mr. Jones.

Check out their crime prevention public service announcement.

Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource is partnering with We Are Not Alone -No Estamos Solos “to tell stories about the everyday heroes, the well-known community groups and all organizations, whether large or small, who are doing their best to deal with the violence and the problems that nurture it.” Visit Chicago is the World to learn more about the program and how you can contribute.