GASTONIA, N.C. — It's been another violent weekend around the Charlotte metro. Law enforcement and gun violence prevention advocates have said how important it is to know where your kids are, especially during the summer.
Legacy Builders is a non-profit organization under the Legacy Music umbrella that is seeking solutions to help fill the gap for teens and young adults. The group's mission is to empower youth from economically disadvantaged homes to learn and potentially pursue a creative career path.
Nathaniel Jones set up shop in Eastridge Mall in October of 2021.
"The music is the root of everything. Then the idea of having a space that included everything is ultimately where the vision came from," Jones said.
The father of three said finding resources for them to express their talents was born organically.
"I think a lot of what I grew up, as far as boys and girls clubs and the rec centers and the YMCAs and all of the activities we had after school, I don't really see that as much," Jones said. "So the space that I was in personally is entertainment. You look at it right now, there are a lot of social media influencers. You have your Youtubers. I have all this talent but where do they really go to learn the science behind it right? Where do they go to learn how to practice it and exercise that space? So it just seemed like a no-brainer for us to put that in Gastonia."
With access to equipment such as an audio board, a broadcast booth, and cameras, he said they get exposure to many possibilities.
"If you're 14,15 years old, 16 years old, there's still so much creativity that's in them. But if you don't have a space to exercise that creativity, you become victim to other opportunities."
Jones also set up a common area to unwind, with a pool table, table tennis and a tv viewing area.
The entrepreneur also thought to include a room to address mental health needs.
"We combine the music aspect with the mental health aspect so we try to take care of mind, body, and soul through music and good discussion."
Jones said he welcomes collaboration with community members and local businesses to create more opportunities for the group.
Teens and young adults are also welcome to attend their live podcast "Keepin it G," every Friday night from 7 to 9 at Legacy Music.