In this SoulThursdays episode, we sit down with leaders from the Jessye Norman School of the Arts (JNSA2) – Eastside Atlanta to explore how arts education, youth empowerment, and community engagement intersect in real life.
We talk about what it really takes to run a tuition-free arts program in Atlanta, the nonprofit challenges they’re facing, and how creative expression and self-esteem are reshaping young lives one student at a time.
🌟 Stay Connected with JNSA2
📅 Register for the Townhall:
👉 JNSA2 Community Townhall RSVP
🌐 Website:
🔗 www.JNSA2.org
📘 Facebook:
🔗 Jessye Norman School of the Arts – Eastside Atlanta
📸 Instagram:
🔗 @JNSA2_Arts
💖 Donate:
🔗 Jessye Norman School of the Arts (JNSA2) – Turning Point Campaign
🎧 Episode Summary
This episode centers on the Jessye Norman School of Arts in Atlanta, a tuition-free arts program that empowers youth through music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
The conversation explores:
The founding vision behind the school
Personal stories of student transformation
The harsh realities of fundraising and sustainability for small nonprofits
How restructuring and volunteer-powered models are helping them adapt
The role of community support and arts access in building self-esteem, especially for Black youth
Ultimately, the episode is a call to action: if we want young people to thrive, we must invest—time, money, and energy—into the spaces that nurture their creativity and confidence.
🔑 Key Takeaways
JNSA2 empowers youth through artistic expression.
Students gain voice, confidence, and a sense of belonging through creative work.The school aims to expand equitable access to arts education.
JNSA2 serves communities that often lack consistent, high-quality arts programming.Personal stories highlight the transformative power of the arts.
Shy, hesitant students become writers, actors, and leaders on stage and in life.Nonprofits face significant challenges in funding and sustainability.
Arts organizations are especially vulnerable in today’s philanthropic climate.Restructuring is essential for adapting to changing environments.
JNSA2 is shifting toward a more volunteer-driven model to survive and grow.Community engagement is crucial for student recruitment and support.
Schools, churches, parents, and local partners all play a role in success.Success stories illustrate the impact of arts education on students.
Moments of breakthrough—like a child finding their voice—are life-changing.Building relationships is key to nonprofit success.
From parents to local businesses, trust and connection fuel long-term support.The importance of self-esteem in youth development cannot be overstated.
Especially for Black youth, arts and affirmation can alter generational trajectories.Future success relies on community support and involvement.
Monthly donors, volunteers, and advocates will determine what’s possible in 2026 and beyond.
🎨 Themes: Arts, Identity, and Community
This episode lives at the intersection of:
Arts education & creative expression
Youth empowerment & self-esteem
Nonprofit challenges & sustainability
Community engagement in Atlanta’s Eastside
Equitable arts access for Black and marginalized youth
The speakers remind us that when a child truly sees their own brilliance, it doesn’t just change their life—it shifts their family, their community, and future generations.
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to JNSA2 and Its Mission
Setting the stage: what JNSA2 is, who it serves, and why arts education matters now more than ever.
02:12 – Founding Vision and Community Impact
How the idea emerged, the partnership that made it possible, and why Eastside Atlanta needs this school.
04:46 – Barriers to Access and Funding Challenges
From low state arts investment to a harsh philanthropic climate—what they’re up against.
07:18 – Restructuring for Sustainability
Why the school is shifting toward a volunteer-led model and what that practically looks like.
09:28 – Engaging the Community and Volunteers
Parents, partners, interns, and neighbors: how everyday people keep the program alive.
11:52 – Student Experiences and Success Stories
Real stories of transformation: confidence, creativity, and new-found voice.
14:16 – Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
What the team has learned about nonprofit work, leadership, and resilience.
17:08 – Defining Success for 2026 and Beyond
What success looks like in the next few years—financially, structurally, and spiritually.
25:14 – The Power of Engagement
Why individual donors and small commitments still matter more than we think.
31:04 – Building Self-Esteem in Black Youth
Exploring the generational impact of self-esteem, identity, and representation.
36:03 – Community Support and Philanthropy
How community giving, partnerships, and small business support show up in real time.
40:41 – The Importance of Arts in Education
Arts as a core part of youth development—not an “extra.”
46:01 – Lessons from Community Engagement
What happens when people show up, listen, and invest in young people’s futures.
🌟 Stay Connected with JNSA2
We invite you to stay engaged with the Jessye Norman School of the Arts – Eastside Atlanta (JNSA2) and support our mission to cultivate creativity, community, and excellence in the arts.
📅 Register for the JNSA2 Community Townhall
Join us for an important community conversation.
👉 JNSA2 Community Townhall RSVP
🌐 Visit Our Website
Explore our programs, impact, and ways to get involved:
🔗 www.JNSA2.org
📘 Follow Us on Facebook
🔗 Jessye Norman School of the Arts – Eastside Atlanta
📸 Join Us on Instagram
💖 Support Our Work
Help us reach our next milestone through the Turning Point Campaign:
🔗 Donate to JNSA2
📣 Call to Action
If this conversation moved you, here’s how you can help:
Support arts access in Atlanta and beyond.
Donate—even small monthly gifts make a big difference for programs like JNSA2.
Share this episode with educators, artists, parents, and community leaders.
Volunteer your time, skills, or platform to amplify youth voices and creative opportunities.
Because when we invest in arts education, we’re not just funding performances — we’re funding future leaders, thinkers, builders, and dreamers.
