Usher's teen trainees planning flood relief

Ready to spin tunes, the Darton College freshman hopes to attract a crowd to a Decatur block party Sunday, with friends serving food and performances from dance teams. The proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

Smith is one of 10 young people in six communities who have received grants from Usher's New Look to launch their fund-raising efforts, and 25 more grants are "in the pipeline," according to Shawn H. Wilson, president of the nonprofit foundation. Wilson said the group has earmarked $1 million for grants to teenagers organizing similar service-oriented projects.

"Service shouldn’t be looked at as something that a judge hands down," said Wilson, who wants to "rebrand" the concept of community service. "Service should be fun."

Brandon Hamilton, 18, captain of the football team at Cross Keys High School, is another grant recipient. He used his grant to generate publicity for a fund drive benefiting Atlanta flood victims throughout homecoming week, which was to peak with the game against Blessed Trinity on Friday.

Blessed Trinity generally beats Cross Keys, Hamilton said, but "this year we're hoping to change things."

Hamilton plans to seek a career in computer engineering, while Smith will seek a career in the entertainment business, as an agent and promoter. But both also plan to change things in their own communities, starting with the Atlanta families devastated by flood waters.

Smith watched the waters rise in a recreation area near Wesley Chapel Road during the worst of the rain, until "it looked like it was a river instead of a golf course."

Both have seen news stories of those affected by the damage. Now they hope to do something constructive to help.

Georganna's Block Party

2-6 p.m., Sunday, at A1 Events, 2511 Park Central Blvd., Decatur; $5 donation requested.