Sen. Bradford awards Inner City Youth Orchestra as nonprofit of the year

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), who represents the local cities of Compton, Carson, Watts, and Inglewood, has selected the critically acclaimed Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles as Senate District 35’s Nonprofit of the Year. The orchestra is recognized across the nation and beyond for its contributions to the arts through the inclusion and development of young, underrepresented musicians.

“I am honored to highlight this incredible organization. I have been a longtime supporter of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles because it provides an artistic outlet for talented musicians and a valuable source of education and expression to our young people here in Los Angeles,” Senator Bradford said.

The Nonprofit of the Year event, presented in partnership with the California Association of Nonprofits, features a luncheon at the State Capitol that allows members of the State Legislature to highlight the work of and honor a deserving nonprofit organization from their districts.

“The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles is honored to be represented by our dear friend, Senator Steve Bradford, and we are overwhelmingly grateful to him for nominating our organization to be the Nonprofit of the Year,” Charles Dickerson, Founder, Conductor, and Executive Director said. “We strive to uplift the young people in the community that we serve, and this nomination and recognition serve as encouragement for us to keep doing the work to which we are dedicated.”

The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles is a California nonprofit, founded in 2009. Its flagship orchestra features 100-plus primarily African-American and Latino young musicians who perform an annual series of free community concerts of orchestral music in Los Angeles.

The orchestra also offers music lessons for children beginning their musical journey, a Drum Corps program that prepares young percussionists to join college drumline programs, similar to those offered at HBCUs, a Drum Corps Program for young people living in Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall facilities and free instruction, instruments and supplies to all students.