The Leo High School Boys Choir made national stardom after their run on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, and they paid tribute to local first responders this week.
The group on Thursday joined several other performers to put on a special holiday concert to thank Chicago first responders amid the holiday season.
The holiday concert was held at Chicago Public Safety Headquarters at 35th Street and Michigan Avenue.
The group performed several holiday classics, with Chicago police officers and firefighters in attendance.
“It means a lot doing this for them we’re showing our gratitude and support,” said Tyshawn Brown, Leo High School senior. “We’re so thankful for them without them this world it wouldn’t be the way it is.”
The group wanted to say thank you to the men and women who serve the city.
“They protect us, they do their jobs, so it means a lot for us to be able to come out here and sign for them,” said Blake Moore, Leo High School junior.
Performers of all ages brought smiles to the faces of everyone in the room.
“This is absolutely amazing to see the youth come and give back to us,” said Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt, Chicago Fire Department. “It means so much especially for some of us where the holidays are hard—it’s good to see this and it uplifts our spirits as well.”
The holiday concert was organized by Bridging the Gap. The organization was started by a Chicago police officer to help bridge the gap between the community and police.
“The goal is to get us to work together and collectively we can fight crime, we can take over our community, and we can take them back,” said officer Shanita Foster.
Foster knows the challenges and emotional toll officers face while on the job. She hopes this musical tribute can send a message to officers on the front lines during the holidays.
“Usually during this season, a lot of people commit suicide, a lot of people get depressed,” she said. “So we just want to let you know here at Bridging the Gap that we love you and that we’re thinking about you.”
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