October 23rd, 2008
Usher’s New Song “Hush” Debuts on iTunes Today
Usher’s new song “Hush” debuts on iTunes today. It touches on service, poverty, and voting and has been ten years in the making. It is part of his ongoing national call-to-service for youth that began with the Project Restart campaign after Hurricane Katrina and has continued since 1999 with his own New Look non-profit organization. He was appointed as Youth-Chair of the Service Nation Summit which was attended by Obama, McCain, Clinton, Laura Bush as well as 500 Service Leaders.
The song is available now for download at iTunes as well as at www.UshersNewLook.org - with a substantial amount of the proceeds going towards the New Look Organization.
This song’s release marks the first time Usher will communicate his passion for service and action through his music. He had this to say:
“‘Hush’ is about my awakening over the past 10 years to the social issues in our country and realizing that I have a voice. As Americans we have the right to speak out about slow recovery in the Gulf Coast, a long war and home foreclosures. But complaining isn’t enough, you have to also take action.
Whether serving at the homeless shelter or going to the polls for the first time, you have to act or else ‘Hush!’”
Usher made his dream of giving back nearly 10 years ago with the formation of his New Look non-profit organization in 1999. He then increased his efforts with the re-launch of New Look in 2005 saying:
“I had reached a point in my life where I realized that the more you lead, the more you serve.
Since its re-launch, Usher’s New Look has helped almost 2,000 disadvantage young people gain a “New Look” on life through exposure and real world experiences. New Look has assisted over 750 families resettle into housing through rent and utility assistance since Hurricane Katrina. In June of 2008 Usher received the key to the City from Mayor Nagin for his continued dedication and service to the residence of New Orleans.
He explains:
“My philosophy is to give kids the skills to become active participants in the world around them,” explains Usher. “The election process to select our leaders impacts them, even if they can’t vote yet”.
Over 4,000 youth participated and 17,000 new voters were registered as part of the I Can’t But You Can Campaign.
For more info on Usher’s New Look visit - http://www.ushersnewlook.org/
I’m impressed and happy to be able to write such a positive story on a celebrity… for a change!
