Examiner Community Awards: Arts Award

Jun 20 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DANCE troupe Suga Brown reaches out to local youngsters.

The urban group teach street dance, hip hop, rap poetry and performance across town.

Their workshops also tackle issues that affect the young from drugs to sexual health and bullying.

General manager Deborah Brown said: “Suga Brown is a very small organisation with only four paid staff and a handful of volunteers, but last year we carried out projects all over Huddersfield.”

The group recently worked with children at Fairfield Special Needs School and Spen Valley High School.

Its Roots around Paddock history project brought generations of the local community together to learn about their past.

The children at Royds Hall School spoke to people at the local churches, the village hall and local organisations as part of their research.

Deborah added: “I think Suga Brown has done tremendous work in the communities of Huddersfield and deserves recognition for its achievements.

“This work includes reaching out to young people who may not otherwise get involved in arts activities and giving them a positive and caring environment in which to explore their interests.”