A new organization is working to bring about change in the lives of at-risk young boys and men. Today, Project Change, a foundation started by a Southside High School graduate, hosts a concert to bring about unity among community members.

The Unity Concert, set to kick-off Saturday at 7 p.m. at Southside High School, will feature a list of acts to appeal to those of all preferences in music and entertainment, said Sam Williams, founder of Project Change.

Williams said in the wake of all the violence and division amongst communities across the nation, he wanted to have a positive event that would bring the community together. Since music being a big attraction for youth, the concert seemed appropriate, he said.

Williams said the free event, hosted by a Chocowinity native Kevin Towns, also known as Country Boy KT, was designed to reach a broad audience and features a lineup of acts ranging across genres such as country, rap, rock, R&B, blues, gospel and more. Two comedians will also perform, as will speakers who will talk about unity and positive interactions among community members. Among the acts are country singer Duane Haddock, comedians Brandi Inez and Lil’ Earl, performer June Breeze and more, according to Williams.

“I said, ‘You know what? We need to have a positive event, a concert,’”Williams said. “It’s an opportunity to come out and bring family and as far as the unity side of it, with racism and other negative things going on, we wanted to have a variety of music to bring people of all kinds together. It’s all clean music. That’s where the idea came from of having a concert: to bring unity and togetherness. We definitely want everyone to come out and support us.”

Williams said the foundation is designed to mentor young boys and men and guide them to success. The group meets periodically — coined, a “Gathering of Men,” — and pushes an environment of acceptance and support.

“We have workshops where we meet and give them the guidance they’re missing in life so they have a support system,” Williams said. “It’s a place they come and feel accepted, and despite their flaws and issues, we don’t judge them. We’re mainly there to help them with those issues. We create that environment where they can come and express themselves and talk about issues they might normally not have the chance to talk about and get feedback.”

Williams said the group has an element of faith tied in, as it has devotional time and prayer during the gatherings. Sports are also a part of the group’s meetings. They participate in a basketball league, hosted by members of the Boys & Girls Club of Beaufort County, which adds an element of fellowship, sportsmanship and brotherhood.

For more information, contact Sam Williams at 252-947-1765 or email projectchange2016@yahoo.com.