IRS approves 501c3 status for The Power of Song Inc.

The Power of Song Inc. received tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service Jan. 29, enabling the organization to receive tax deductible donations and apply for private and government grants.

With the new found status, the organization is developing its near-term and long-term planning to carry out its mission of educating and training youth and the community about the Civil Rights Movement and social justice issues through song, theater and art. The Power of Song has as a priority to reach at-risk and disadvantaged youth while encouraging community service and non-violent exchanges and change.

"We already have had an incredible 2016 with our flagship production, Sounds of the Civil Rights Movement: The Power of Song going to stage for the second year," said CEO September Penn. "Now The Power of Song Inc. can take it all to the next level with the IRS' affirming the organization's mission."

The Power of Song Inc. formerly incorporated in 2015 after years of work with youth and arts by its co-founders September and Ivan Penn.

The organization was given the name of the signature production Sounds of the Civil Rights Movement: The Power of Song, which has gained rave reviews by audiences and community leaders in St. Petersburg, Fla., where the production was born. The 2016 performances Jan. 10-11 drew attracted an audience of about 2,500 to The Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg for three performances.

During a recent City Council meeting, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman said of the production: "I certainly, I hope that event happens again next year. For the listening audience, I can’t encourage you enough, if it does, to go. You will be moved. You will be thrilled. And you will walk away feeling different."

The Power of Song also houses another original production born in St. Petersburg, called The Cardboard Stories, a play about the faces of homelessness, which also received outstanding reviews.

In addition to theater productions, The Power of Song Inc. intends to offer a wide array of artistic services dealing with the Civil Rights Movement and social justice.

To support The Power of Song Inc., visit www.thepowerofsong.org.