Usher and Friends Speak Out

By Chandra R. Thomas

The raindrops cascading from the sky Friday didn’t put a damper on the mood of the celebrities inside the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. They strolled the red carpet in support of pop star Usher Raymond’s first ever World Leadership Awards. Touted as a salute to those who are "committed to inspiring and encouraging youth," the event was held in conjunction with his New Look Foundation, which mentors young people as global leaders. Currently in seven cities, New Look has worked with over 8,700 young people, and has provided more than 150,000 hours of leadership training. The program trains high school youth in leadership, business, education and service.