In West Phila., Teens Share Their Poetry ''From the Heart''

  
by KYW's Karin Phillips

A celebration was held in West Philadelphia on Thursday morning for the successful first year of "Heartspeak," a citywide initiative that helps thousands of young people express themselves through art.

Heartspeak is an outreach program of the Arts and Spirituality Center that helps young people escape violence and express themselves through art. 

Rev. Susan Teegan-Case is the center's executive director:

"A lot of times we don't have the chance to really listen and hear what they're feeling, and what their voices are. And they have uncommon wisdom."

Fourteen-year-old Safi (right) is a student at Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School.  He writes poetry:

"Whenever I come here, like, even if it's a stranger, he's a best friend."

Eighteen-year-old Jamillah (top photo) is from University City High School.  Before Heartspeak, she says, she was a very pessimistic person:

"The way I am in life, I'm much more positive."

There are 4,500 students throughout the region involved in Heartspeak.  For the second year organizers hope to spread it to at least 15,000.

(Photos by KYW's Karin Phillips)