Mission Statement
Stand Tall And Rise (S.T.A.R. Entertainment L,L,C ) - Created by Astra Armstrong -is a performing arts program that works with children in inner cities that face a myriad of issues. S.T.A.R. was created to meet the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood through coordinated programs, high-quality artistic activities and learning experiences to help assist with academic, social, emotional, and artistic well-being. By enabling youth to utilize their artistic expressions, it helps build up a feeling of character, autonomy, control, and self-esteem. Our mission is to identify such children and expose them to a positive atmosphere in which they can learn, grow, and ultimately reach their potential through the performing arts.
What we plan to accomplish
S.T.A.R. will help your child with the following:
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College and career readiness
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Academic planning and support
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Enhance their confidence and self‐esteem.
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Artistic training
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High exposure to diverse opportunities
"From Adversity to Empowerment"
Ms. Astra Armstrong's journey is not just a story of personal triumph, but a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Born and raised in the vibrant yet challenging environment of Washington, DC, Ms. Armstrong's early life was marked by adversity and uncertainty. As a Black girl navigating the inner city, she encountered obstacles that many would find insurmountable. However, rather than allowing these challenges to define her, Ms. Armstrong chose to harness her experiences as a source of strength and inspiration.
From a young age, Ms. Armstrong discovered the profound impact of the arts as a vehicle for self-expression and empowerment. Her time at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Norfolk State University provided her with a platform to cultivate her talents as a writer, playwright, and performer. Through her artistry, Ms. Armstrong had the privilege of sharing the stage with icons like Maya Angelou and Patti Labelle, showcasing her remarkable talent and resilience in the face of adversity.
Despite enduring personal tragedies, including the untimely deaths of her mother and brother, Ms. Armstrong remained steadfast in her mission to effect positive change in the world. Throughout her college years, she seized opportunities to broaden her horizons, studying abroad in South Africa and dedicating her time to teaching theater to local students. Her experiences volunteering in Costa Rica further ignited her passion for service and advocacy, inspiring her to create initiatives aimed at uplifting underserved communities in Norfolk.
Throughout her academic journey, Ms. Armstrong demonstrated exemplary leadership, serving in various roles within student government and earning recognition as one of Norfolk's most active student leaders and advocates. Her commitment to education and community empowerment continued as she embarked on her career as an educator in Atlanta's most underprivileged areas.
Ms. Armstrong's classroom serves as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and compassion. Leveraging her background in drama and the arts, she engages her students in meaningful learning experiences that empower them to explore their potential and pursue their dreams. From Connect Four-inspired math activities to outdoor classroom experiences, Ms. Armstrong exemplifies her dedication to making learning both impactful and enjoyable for her students.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, Ms. Armstrong is a tireless advocate for educational equity and social justice. Recognizing the systemic barriers that hinder the success of marginalized youth, she is committed to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline through the transformative power of the performing arts. By providing students with outlets for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth, Ms. Armstrong is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
As she continues her work in education and pursues her dream of establishing a nonprofit organization centered around theater, education, and community empowerment, Ms. Armstrong remains steadfast in her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Her journey from adversity to empowerment serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others can transform lives and inspire generations to come.
The Journey
So much about the way I grew up suggests that I shouldn’t be here. Growing up in the inner city as a Black girl whose parents were in and out of jail, and in a domestic violence relationship a lot of people around me expected that I would have a similar fate. My mother was trying to raise my brothers and I, and keep a roof over our heads while fighting her own battles with addiction. As a result, we were often forced to bounce from house to house, stay in shelters, and sometimes even outside.The elementary and middle schools I attended didn’t offer much by way of stability either, as they were incredibly under resourced and unsafe, keeping me fearful of my well being. Facing challenges in both my home and school environment, I needed an outlet so I created one.
The system is depriving children and youth of meaningful opportunities for education, future employment, and causing them to lose hope in their dreams and aspirations. The problem is that youth’s dreams and aspirations have been impacted by negative trends in their communities which impact the school-to-prison pipeline. It is our challenge to end this pipeline and create new pipelines to success for all children. In order to undertake this endeavor, we must first become knowledgeable on what outlets our youth are most indulged by such as the performing arts.
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