Mr. Walter Whitman never intended to create one of the most inspiring stories in gospel music during the past two decades. But with faith in God and a conviction to help children and motivate audiences, Mr. Whitman created one of the most celebrated youth choirs in the world-The Soul Children of Chicago. During the past 23 years, he has utilized music as a catalyst to develop the minds, hearts and souls of over 1000 children. "My purpose and vision is to education the minds, elevate the spirits and illuminate the souls of our children and audiences worldwide," says Mr. Whitman. Under the direction of Mr. Whitman, the Soul Children of Chicago have produced five albums: We Are One (1988), Generation X (1999), Growing Up (1996), Live and Blessed (1991) and This Is The Day (1996). The choir has performed in Italy, Holland, Sweden, Switzerland and Israel and performed before 1.7 billion people at the opening day of the World Cup and won the prestigious Stellar Award. Additional credits include recording with Public Announcement, R. Kelly (World's Greatest), Century Men, Cherie Keggy, Neil Diamond (Christmas Album) and Mother Theresa (Tribute Album). The choir has performed with Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond, Gladys Knight, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Yolanda Adams and Garth Brooks. Mr. Whitman and The Soul Children have also performed at The Democratic National Convention for President Bill Clinton and at the White House for President George Bush Sr., President Ronald Reagan and President Richard Nixon. Mr. Walter Whitman developed this world class performance group with a single-minded purpose: to utilize music as the motivator and catalyst to inspire young people throughout the world to have faith in themselves, each other and God. To this day, The Soul Children of Chicago continue to serve the community as a non-denominational, non-profit educational organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of our youth. The objective of The Soul Children of Chicago is to: EDUCATE THE MINDS, ELEVATE THE SPIRITS, AND ILLUMINATE THE SOULS OF OUR YOUTH Today's youth face a world wrought with violence, drugs, teen pregnancy and poverty. High school graduation rates are dropping, while teen pregnancy rates are increasing. A staggering one in four women get pregnant before they are 20 years old. Today, a child is more likely to come from a single parent home than to go on to graduate college-and more likely to go to jail than to graduate school. It is no wonder that suicide has become the third leading cause of death in 15-24 years olds in America. Mr. Walter Whitman and The Soul Children of Chicago are dedicated to encourage our youth and provide hope and inspiration in a world filled with challenges and despair.
