Santa's helpers will include the world famous Urban Nation Hip Hop Choir this year during the Christmas in Middleburg celebrations December 1st. The exciting group is certain to add a new and exciting dimension to the charming traditional festivities. Led by popular musician Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. who, eleven years ago partnered with Dr. Sheila Johnson Newman to found the youth group, the singers include students who are 13-to-18 years of age.

In addition to characterizing the performances, Hip Hop is an acronym for Hope, Integrity, Power—Helping Our People. Dr. Johnson Newman, who is co-chairman of Christmas in Middleburg this year, invited the Hip Hop Choir to perform in the annual festivities. "We are greatly indebted to her," Dr. Payton explained. "With her help we have created a group that has a strong, positive presence in the community and an international reputation of quality and commitment." In order to participate in the Urban Nation not-for-profit initiative, students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and attend both educational and motivational workshops and seminars. Parents are deeply involved in the support and management of the group and work diligently with Director Payton to help the young people develop their talents, skills, self esteem, confidence and personal character. "Without Dr. Johnson's help and support, this initiative would not have existed," Payton explained. "I met her when I was the music teacher at Sidwell Friends School, and we understood immediately that we shared a commitment to help kids who have few opportunities to get ahead. This was a dream of mine, to give kids a voice and the power to shape their future." Although he insists it seems impossible that eleven years have passed since the group was founded, his pride in the Urban Nation group is palpable. The group now has over forty major corporate sponsors including The Washington Post, Fannie Mae and many, many others. "They help us improve the future for our members, and by helping, we all work together to ensure that the next generation of citizens will be honorable and well prepared for their responsibilities." Channeling the artistic and creative energies of this talented group in ways that will foster excellence in all facets of their lives is the primary goal of Urban Nation. "The Hip Hop Choir is just the cherry on top of the Urban Nation organization," Payton explained. "We organize activities for our young members that contribute significantly to their sense of themselves and their ability to participate successfully in and lead in any endeavor they choose when they reach adulthood." Audiences at The White House, on major television shows and at benefits and award ceremonies across the nation have enjoyed the choir's performances. Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Maya Angelou and many others have worked with and introduced the Choir at shows and events. Payton, who is a voting member of the Grammy Awards and a highly regarded producer in his own right, emphasized his pride in the members of Urban Nation. "Our parents are totally devoted to our mission, and the time Dr. J spends with our young members makes an enormous difference in their lives. In a very real way, you can spell love T I M E. The time these adults spend with our kids is an investment that will be returned in a million ways. I can't thank them enough for"