Spotlight: Shane Coleman

It was in his 6th grade class in a South Philadelphia school that Shane Coleman received divine revelation of what he wanted to do when he became an adult. He wanted to help people. In the 9th grade, he says his vision became more focused. He wanted to help change the world through people and the arts. And that vision brought him to Los Angeles, and the founding of Heroes of Life, a non profit organization that embraces the talents of at risk youth and young adults between the ages of 8 to 28. "There are many talented young people who have dreams of working in the entertainment industy...but because they are in a poverty situation, they don't have the money or even a place to get training or operate equipment. They can receive this at Heroes of Life... that's if they are determined to succeed and can abide by our rules of love, respect and absolutely no negativity or profanity. " Shane admits that often times, it's difficult to convince a young person that it's possible to produce hip hop without cussing. "I tell them that if they've got a problem with life or society, they have to come up with a solution in a positive way by the end of the song." In the end, he says, they are surprised that they can deliver a strong message without the use of profanity. It is this spirit of love, respect and determination that has amassed Shane a large number of successful graduates now working in the field of broadcast, from radio, television to record companies, the training they received in song writing, script writing, video/audio production, camera work, stage performance and other techniques have prompted many to testify "I got my start with Shane." And while many of his students did choose to make a career in the film/broadcast industry, some have elected to go to college, become entrepreneurs or simply join the work force, the love, discipline and focus received at Heroes of Life have made a lasting impact. Some students, Shane says, faltered along the way; but he says when he sees them on the streets even if they are gang members, there is always lots of love, hugs and respect when they meet. "They know that even even if they are suspended from this program, with a change in attitude and after a time period they can return." Presently, he working with different gang sets who have learned the truth about gang life and are coming back into the community to share their experiences and to write positive hip hop... using it as a vehicle to produce change. In December, 2008, Shane and his crew produced a scarry movie entitled "Did You See That?" and is presently working on two others, Breaking the Cycle" and "The Bobby Cohen Story." Rooted deeply in the community, Heroes of Life is also producing a 20 minute DVD featuring community children who have had trouble with the law, their parents, physchologist and other experts to be utilized by community networks to produce intervention techniques. When commenting on the question of whether or not he has any particular challenges in working with the music of today as compared to yesteryears, Shane declares "Absolutely not!" Music, he says, is a universal language...transcending from generation to generation. He shares that they recently completed a Christmas album featuring Jeannette Hawes, formerly of the Emotions and Marcus Paulk, best known for his role as the little brother on the TV sitcom "Moesha." "In Heroes of Life, the old school heads and the youngsters often come together to learn from each other." And where does he see his program in five years? Shane shares that he would like to see Heroes of Life on a national scale...bridging young people from different states and countries working together. He reveals that presently, he and other group members are planning a concert tour in 2009 whereby named talent will lend there skills to community based projects to help create economic shifts; and as a means of helping the have nots to have. He concludes by telling us "This is what I love to do, it's what I've dreamed of doing and now I'm doing it!" Shane Coleman is a Boomertarian in Flight.

copyright Patricia D. "Satorie" Barnes, 2009