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The Danny Clinch Transparent is once again partnering with Konscious Youth Development & Service [KYDS] for a fundraising night of music and spoken word.

This time around the event will support KYDS’ free Journey Summer Program for area youth.

Stringbean Blues, Jamie Coppa, Chris Rockwell, and Sandy Mack are among those headlining the 5:30 pm event at the Transparent, located inside The Asbury at 210 Fifth Avenue.

KYDS was founded three years ago by Mychal Mills and Rodney Salomon, two Monmouth University graduates who earned their master’s degrees in management and business, respectively.

In addressing the City Council during their public comment session, Salomon [at right] said their goal is to prepare and create future leaders through holistic intervention.

“My purpose for being here is to really express that message of how we can from a connection with the City so that we can be involved in harmonious ways to create the greatest impact,” he said.  

Aside from their popular bi monthly One Mic One Soul Monday night events at Kula Cafe on Springwood Avenue, KYDS administers a social and emotional learning program in the Asbury Park School District’s middle and high schools. That program includes mindfulness learning, meditation, yoga, character development, and life skills, Salomon said.

They host holistic community events through partnerships with the Red Bank-based Lunch Break, Dean’s Natural Food Markets, Interfaith Neighbors, and the Neptune Library. The duo have administered programs in school districts across the Jersey Shore region, including Ocean Township, Red Bank Regional, Monmouth Montessori Academy, Jackson and Neptune Township.

The work Salomon said is really about empowering students to become the best they can be by allowing “their light from within to shine in order to make a greater impact on the world and outside of ourselves.”

Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton said the duo should be commended and congratulated for the work they have been doing with children.

“The program that Rodney and Mychal have been administering in the Asbury Park School District is credited for reducing the in school suspension rate by 80 percent,” said Clayton, who nominated the pair for this year’s Central Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs newly created Youth Nation Building Award.  

Mayor John Moor said although the City Council is aware of their work, he wanted the pair to return for the May 23 workshop meeting in order to allow them to share the program in more detail.

Mills and Salomon have said they want the Journey Program to be offered free of charge because they believe inner-peace should not cost any money.

Upcoming KYDS events include:

5:30 pm May 19 On Mic One Soul at Kula Cafe, located at 1201 Springwood Avenue

5:30 pm May 21 Meditation Monday at Kula Cafe

6 pm May 21 6 pm Beginner Meditation Class at Dean’s natural Food Market, Route 35 Ocean Township.

For more about KYDS, visit their website, Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram pages. For more about Danny Clinch Transparent, visit their Facebook page.

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