ABOUT URU

This organization exists to develop artistic projects with two purposes in mind: to uplift and encourage positive perspectives of ethnic groups, women, and persons with disabilities, and to heighten consciousness around ideas and social issues affecting the community. The functions of this organization include but are not limited to: advancing education through art-related events; hands-on training for inner city youth in the artistic and production aspects of creating and/or performing; instructing the public on subjects beneficial to the community, particularly issues concerning race relations, HIV/AIDS and world ecology.

Crystal Emery, Executive Director

Crystal has more than 25 years professional experience in the entertainment industy, having produced, written,directed and worked on productions throughout the United States and Europe. She polished her craft under the tutelage of industry giant Bill Duke ("A Rage In Harlem"), and is one of a select group of young directors to work extensively with directing icon Lloyd Richards("Piano Lesson"). She has worked in major regional theaters such as Chicago's Goodman Theatre, D.C's Kennedy Center, Los Angeles's DoLittle Theatre and New Haven's(Connecticut)Long Wharf Theatre. Crystal holds a BFA from the University of Connecticut, attended NYU Film School and completed cinematography classes with Brianne Murphy at UCLA.As executive director of URU, Crystal has created a thriving non-profit organization that utilizes the arts to foster communication and understanding among diverse racial, social and economic groups about issues that affect urban communities. URU's focus includes race relations, HIV, breast cancer education, disability rights and world ecology. In 1999, she developed an URU program series entitled "This Is Where I Live, Don't Dump ON Me," designed to inspire environmental responsibility and cultivate problem-solving skills among inner city children; throughout it's implementation the series reached more than 5,000 children in 28 urban schools and community centers throughout New England.