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Gospel for Teens, Part 1

April 3, 2011 5:00 PM

Lesley Stahl spends a year following the inspirational leader of a gospel music program for teenagers in Harlem and her students as they learn to sing this original American art form and build the confidence and character it inspires.

How "Gospel for Teens" is saving the music

60 Minutes OverTimeTeen in braces sings tender song to "Daddy"

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by Ajestine November 29, 2011 8:50 PM EST
Saving the music, the music saving the children !!
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by criddle5558 September 18, 2011 5:40 PM EDT
I am a middle school choir director in a rural, largely Caucasian school where gospel music and diversity is foreign to many students. I purchased this story and showed it to my students as an introduction to Gospel/Spiritual music. I can not put into words how much this story has made an impact on my class. I caught some students wiping away tears when it was over because I think so many students recognized themselves in the story. They were so moved by it that they have asked to holler their name with pride at our next concert. Some are still working on building the confidence to do it but they are excited by the challenge. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful story to remind and inspire my students and myself why music can be so powerful.
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by bluesphee1 August 30, 2011 11:12 PM EDT
This is one of the best segments I've seen on 60 minutes. Vy Higginsen deserves a tremendous amount of credit for not only preserving Gospel music but changing these kids lives for the best. Leslie Stahl did a fantastic job with this segment (as usual!).

60 Minutes is easily the best show on television today because it actually contributes something meaningful to society! Keep up the great work over there!!! :)
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by yougogirl33 August 29, 2011 3:49 AM EDT
It is so uplifting to see people making a difference in the world. Not only that but to actually see the impact, the positive influence, the joy and the pride that it also brings to young teenagers.

I was so taken with the music and the young people, their pain and their joy. I am writing this specifically to encourage Gaby Francois. I was so disappointed to hear that she could not attend because of her need to work...I am donating today for HER and I want her to know that...If she can find any single way to get herself there - I am hoping my prayers help her to get there. It is currently almost 4 .am. and I didn't want to go to sleep without her knowing that. You go girl - don't give up - find a way - we're rooting for you. You can do it!

Big hugs to all and encouragement! Wonderful wonderful wonderful !
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by condo1017 August 28, 2011 8:17 PM EDT
I love this programming. I've been a fan of 60 minutes for more than 16 years. This one segment is inspiring and worrisome, because of the problems and troubles that surround all of our children. Violence affecting them, their friends and family is so common place they've all known the pain of loss that should not be suffered by so many, so young. The fractured family issues have been occurring, more commonly, in the US for more than 40 years. We need to worry about our children. In our worry we need to encourage and educate our children.
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by MillenniansOK June 13, 2011 1:21 PM EDT
People who are economically able to raise their natural children should brag less about it, and maybe even exercise their creative writing skills a bit less smugly concerning it, because most people never know their real parents, including some of the ones who think they really do.
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by visioncarriers April 7, 2011 3:23 AM EDT
It's heartwarming to see a positive story about youth and Harlem. In a world where so many voices are suppressed,I feel encouraged by these teenagers' ability and willingness to use their voices for the gospel and as agents of change in their own lives and therefore in the lives of others.

The media is rife with bad news about teenagers--to the point that adults fear and avoid them. The voice of Gospel for Teens is compelling, powerful, and beautiful.

We know what can happen with one's natural exuberance and powerful is frustrated. In Gospel for Teens, we see in the faces of the youth how lives are transformed when they are granted a vehicle of expression.

Bless you, bless all.
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by visioncarriers April 7, 2011 2:43 AM EDT
I have witnessed the Mama Foundation for the Arts and Vy Higginsen's work for over ten years. They personify commitment, integrity, and supreme artistry. I love Gospel for Teens. What a blessing to Harlem and to the world community.
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by TheNeighbor April 6, 2011 1:12 PM EDT
It's clear that 60 Minutes did not speak to the neighbors of the Mama Foundation. The Mama Foundation operates with a complete disregard for the quality of life and health of its neighbors. Housed in a brownstone on a residential block, the Mama Foundation is so noisy that the police have been called several times. The Mama Foundation has also been warned by the Department of Environmental Protection, but it continues to behave with a callous indifference to its neighbors. Youths loiter on neighboring homes, and noise on some Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and even sometimes Sunday is horrible. The only thing that is important to the Mama Foundation is to exploit naive young people and abuse neighbors in its tawdry clutch at second-hand fame. Next time, 60 Minutes, do your research!
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by jacquebb April 5, 2011 1:06 PM EDT
Thank you 60 minutes. I share a similar life of being raised by family member other than my parents and i learned so much about myself just watching this. Music moves the soul, it heals, it gives hope....especially gospel. Thanks Ms. Vy. I had my young kids watch this, they realise how blessed they are.
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