Unity Performing Arts Foundation is a multi-faceted performing arts organization.
Unity Performing Arts Foundation, Inc (UNITY) is a multi-faceted performing arts organization with a focus on promoting soulful arts education, training, and performance in the areas of choral music, dance, drama, creative writing, oratory, and instrumental music in order to promote youth development. We offer urban and suburban youth in Fort Wayne a unique artistic platform where they can study t
he music, dance, drama, singing, and creative writing that is interesting and relevant to their generation.
03/13/2026
Spring Empowerment Camp 2026 is calling, and we would love to see your student there!
April 24–26 at Camp Lutherhaven, our students will step into a weekend intentionally designed to strengthen confidence, build lasting friendships, and grow in leadership. Camp is where memories are made, bonds are deepened, and students are reminded of who they are and who they’re becoming.
Transportation will be provided from the Purdue Music Center to Camp Lutherhaven.
📍 Camp Lutherhaven
1596 S 150 W, Albion, IN 46701
Camp Cost: $90
Camp T-Shirt: $15
All registration and payments are due March 22 — don’t miss this opportunity for your student to be part of something powerful.
03/10/2026
UNITY Family, It’s time to get excited!
Spring Empowerment Camp 2026 is right around the corner! It’s happening April 24–26 at Camp Lutherhaven and we want every UNITY student to be part of this unforgettable weekend.
This camp is more than a getaway. It’s an opportunity for students to grow in confidence, strengthen friendships, and step boldly into their purpose. Together, they’ll experience meaningful conversations, team-building moments, creative expression, and powerful encouragement in a setting designed for connection and growth.
Students will be dropped off at the Purdue Music Center and transported together to camp.
📍 Camp Lutherhaven
1596 S 150 W, Albion, IN 46701
Camp Cost: $90
Camp T-Shirt: $15
The registration deadline is March 22 — secure your student’s spot today!
We can’t wait to see our students continue branching out, growing together, and making an impact. 💜
02/27/2026
Did You Know? ✨
Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first professionally trained Black nurse in the United States. Born in 1845, she broke racial barriers in healthcare and helped set high professional standards for nursing excellence through her dedication, compassion, and leadership.
Her legacy opened doors for Black women in medicine and contributed to improving patient care across the nation, inspiring generations of healthcare professionals to follow.
Her story reminds us that courage and perseverance can create lasting change. 💜
At UNITY, we celebrate trailblazers like Mary Eliza Mahoney by encouraging students to pursue their passions, lead with purpose, and make a positive impact in their communities.
Check out our website to learn more about how UNITY empowers students through the arts and leadership development.
02/26/2026
Did You Know? ✨
Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught mathematician and astronomer whose achievements helped shape early American science. Born free in 1731, he built a working wooden clock, accurately predicted solar eclipses, and helped survey the land that later became Washington, D.C..
Through his published almanacs, Banneker challenged false beliefs about Black intelligence and demonstrated the power of education, curiosity, and perseverance. His work remains an inspiring example of early African American excellence in science and innovation.
His legacy reminds us that determination and knowledge can open doors and transform communities. 💜
At UNITY, we celebrate pioneers like Benjamin Banneker by encouraging students to explore their talents, pursue learning, and lead with confidence.
Check out our website to learn more about how UNITY empowers students through the arts and leadership development.
02/25/2026
UNITY Spring Empowerment Camp 2026 is coming!
Branching Out: From Purpose to Impact
UNITY students — this is YOUR weekend. 💜 From April 24–26, we’re heading to Camp Lutherhaven for a powerful experience designed to help students grow in confidence, community, and purpose.
This camp is all about stepping away from the everyday to connect, reflect, and build lasting impact alongside fellow UNITY students.
Drop-off will take place at the Purdue Music Center, where students will be transported together to camp.
📍 Camp Location: Camp Lutherhaven
1596 S 150 W, Albion, IN 46701
Camp Cost: $90
Camp T-Shirt: $15
Registration and all payments are due March 22. Be sure to reserve your spot early!
We’re excited to watch our students branch out, grow together, and return inspired to make a difference.
02/24/2026
Did You Know? ✨
David Blackwell was a groundbreaking mathematician whose work continues to shape the world today. Born in 1919, he made foundational contributions to probability theory, statistics, information theory, and game theory, areas that now power modern artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Such was his impact that NVIDIA named its next-generation AI chip architecture “Blackwell” in his honor, recognizing how his ideas influence how machines learn, make decisions, and optimize outcomes. He was also the first Black scholar inducted into the National Academy of Sciences, paving the way for future generations in science and technology.
His legacy reminds us that curiosity, dedication, and innovation can shape the future. 💜
At UNITY, we celebrate leaders like David Blackwell by encouraging students to think creatively, pursue knowledge, and use their gifts to make a meaningful impact.
Check out our website to learn more about how UNITY empowers students through the arts and leadership development.
02/23/2026
Did You Know? ✨
Granville T. Woods was one of the most influential inventors of the late 19th century, holding more than 60 U.S. patents. Born in 1856, he used his creativity and technical skill to improve railway safety and communication during a time of rapid industrial growth.
One of his most notable inventions, the multiplex telegraph, allowed moving trains to communicate with each other, helping make rail travel safer and more efficient across the country. Because of his brilliance and impact, he earned the nickname “The Black Edison.”
His legacy reminds us that innovation and perseverance can change the world. 💜
At UNITY, we celebrate pioneers like Granville T. Woods by encouraging young people to explore creativity, think boldly, and use their gifts to make an impact.
Check out our website to learn more about how UNITY empowers students through the arts and leadership development.
02/21/2026
Did You Know? ✨
Maggie Lena Walker made history as the first Black woman to found and operate a bank in the United States. Born in Richmond in 1864, she believed that economic independence was essential for building stronger communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
In 1903, she chartered the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, encouraging everyday people to save what they could and build lasting financial stability. Her vision helped thousands of Black families gain financial footing during a time when mainstream banks excluded them.
Her legacy reminds us that leadership, education, and perseverance can create lasting change. 💜
At UNITY, we celebrate trailblazers like Maggie Lena Walker by helping young people grow as leaders, thinkers, and creators who can shape a better future.
Check out our website to learn more about how UNITY empowers students through the arts and leadership development.
02/20/2026
Welcome, Albert Brownlee, to the UNITY family! ✨
Albert T. Brownlee is a seasoned business and community servant leader with more than 25 years of experience across the nonprofit, faith-based, and social services sectors.
A Fort Wayne, Indiana native, Mr. Brownlee is an honored graduate of Paul Harding High School. He attended the historic Clark Atlanta University, where he studied Political Science with a secondary concentration in Mass Communication and Theatre Arts. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University, a Juris Doctor and Certificate in Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and a Certificate in Ministerial Introduction from Aenon Bible College.
Mr. Brownlee is a C-suite executive in community and economic development, having formerly served as Chief Executive Officer and currently serving as Chief Compliance Officer for Genesis Outreach, Inc. His professional focus includes affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, social services, government relations, grant writing, and fund development. Over the course of his career, he has secured more than $20 million in investment funding, led an urban poverty summit initiative, and worked tirelessly to advance social justice, advocacy, and equity.
In recognition of his leadership and impact, Mr. Brownlee received the Robert O. Zdenek Staff Member of the Year Award from the Indiana Association for Community and Economic Development and the Man of Valor Award from Parkview Health in 2020. He was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly in 2013, is a graduate of Leadership Fort Wayne (2010), and currently serves on multiple boards throughout Central and Northeast Indiana.
Mr. Brownlee is happily married to Tamarah D. Brownlee. Together, they have four children, a daughter-in-love, and two grandchildren. 💜
02/20/2026
UNITY Family — mark your calendars now! 💜
We’re excited to officially announce UNITY’s Spring Empowerment Camp 2026, happening April 24–26 at Camp Lutherhaven. This special weekend is designed for all UNITY students — a chance to step away from everyday routines, lean in together, and grow in purpose, leadership, and community.
✨ What to expect:
• Meaningful connections with fellow students
• Empowering experiences focused on growth and impact
• Time to learn, reflect, and have fun together
Students will be dropped off at the Purdue Music Center and transported together to camp.
📍 Location: Camp Lutherhaven
1596 S 150 W, Albion, IN 46701
Camp Cost: $90
Camp T-Shirt: $15
Registration & all payments are due March 22 — don’t wait to secure your spot!
We can’t wait to see how our students continue branching out and stepping into their purpose.
02/18/2026
Did You Know? ✨
Fannie Lou Hamer was a courageous leader whose voice helped shape voting rights in America. Born in Mississippi in 1917 to a family of sharecroppers, she experienced injustice firsthand — yet she chose to stand boldly for change.
After attempting to register to vote in 1962, she faced threats, violence, and imprisonment. Still, she refused to be silenced. Her powerful testimony at the 1964 Democratic National Convention brought national attention to voter suppression and helped pave the way for the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Her words continue to inspire generations:
“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
At UNITY, we honor leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer by encouraging our students to learn from history, find their voice, and lead with courage and purpose. 💜
Check out our website to learn more about how UNITY helps young people grow as artists, leaders, and changemakers.
Address
3800 N. Anthony Boulevard Room CC1743 Fort Wayne, IN 46805
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Contact The Organization
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Mr. Marshall White, a Fort Wayne, IN. resident and former music director of True Love Baptist Church, began writing the vision of UPAF in 1993. The first draft of the vision was presented in November 1997 by Marshall White to a group of directors, musicians, and singers in the Fort Wayne community. Planning and research began and continued well into the year 2000. In June 2000, UNITY was officially incorporated and granted non-profit status by the state of Indiana. In March 2001 we were approved for our 501(c) 3 tax-exempt status. In January 2001 Unity Performing Arts Foundation was granted an official company in residence status by Chancellor Michael A. Wartell and the university board at Indiana-Purdue Universities at Fort Wayne, (IPFW).
Unity Performing Arts Foundation, (UNITY) is a multi-faceted performing arts organization with a focus on developing young people in the areas of character, artistry, and leadership and promoting soulful arts education, training, and performances in the areas of choral music, dance, drama, creative writing, oratory, and instrumental music.
This unique artistic concept is coupled with a youth development element that is designed to help students realize their potential and greatness at an early age, therefore, preparing and equipping them for school, college, workforce and adult life
UNITY is a 21st center after-school model that combines two original components, a non-traditional artistic platform (The Soulful Art Forms) with youth empowerment platform (Substance-Based Programming). We introduce youth ages 7-19 to a positive and empowering environment that develops their artistic potential, empowers them through life coaching, creative and critical thinking, and life-skills training.
Our focus is to prepare young people for a life of SUCCESSFUL IMPACT, using the arts as a vehicle to attract them to a positive and diversified environment that will transform their lives. They will experience the power of connectivity, teamwork, and development in the areas of character, artistry, and leadership.
Unity Performing Arts Foundation is the umbrella organization that currently manages The World Champion Voices of Unity Youth Choir, (or VOUYC The Youth Choral Program) Expression, (The Creative Writing Program), Youth Dance Program, Youth Oratory Program and The Arts Institute, (The Artistic Training Program).
This artistic concept has proven to be attractive to young people from various backgrounds, fostering diversity and inspiring significance in every youth and adult that joins or volunteers. UNITY’s youth development programming acts as a supplement to the family in teaching students discipline, character, leadership, respect for authority and communication skills needed to be successful. The institution of the family in today’s society is not as effective at equipping, preparing or conditioning a child to be successful in this fast-paced society. This companion support system is designed to ensure that young people are successful at home, school, college, church, in the community, and the work environment.
