SAINT PAUL, Minn. - On Thursday, June 1, Representative Samakab Hussein attended the launch of the new Walker|West Music Academy building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Rep. Hussein was the chief bill author to appropriate funds for renovation and state-of-the-art technology for their music programming.
Representative Samakab Hussein (DFL-Saint Paul) released the following statement:
“I believe music is important in our life. An individual's mood can be improved by music, which can energize or soothe them. Another crucial benefit of music is that it enables us to experience almost all of the emotions we go through in life. The possibilities are endless.
We often use music to tell our stories. Some of us share our vision to motivate all of us and encourage our young generation to do better. As a long-time Rondo resident, it is very important for us to have a place like the Walker West Music Academy to call home. It’s a place our kids can go and play music and learn skills. Growing up in the area, many of our young generation, who want to become a musician or producer, have been unable to access their dreams because music sessions can be very expensive. Growing up, it was a dream of mine to become a musician, but due to the high cost of studio sessions, I had to give up my passion for music. But today, I am a proud legislator. Today, I got to witness a different dream come true. That dream is for all children in Minnesota have the chance to pursue their dreams as musicians in a place that will value, support, and guide them. I'm glad that today I got the opportunity to work with Walker West Music Academy, and to deliver $4.1 million to remodel the new location on Marshall Avenue in St. Paul, in District 65A.
I am glad Walker West is here to work with our youth and continue to give them opportunity in music. Thanks to them, our kids don't have to go another state to reach for the stars; they can do it right here in Minnesota.”
Walker|West Music Academy was founded in 1988 by Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West. It's one of the oldest established community music schools in the nation. Currently located in the historic Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul, Walker|West is a nonprofit organization that offers instrument and vocal music education, concerts, and community events, all rooted in the African American experience. People of all ages and backgrounds can gather, explore, and grow through music.
Photo Cutline: Rep. Samakab Hussein poses with community members.