KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica has always understood that music carries more than rhythm. The island has been the catalyst for stories of struggle, resilience, healing, and hope.

From the humanitarian work of the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation to artiste-led initiatives such as the Bounty Killer Foundation and the Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation, the island has long shown that when artistes give with intention, communities rise.

Sherone White, founder of Let Us SOAR, a US-based public corporation, wants to mirror the work of these charitable organisations. Her philosophy is captured in four words: Serve Others. Achieve Reciprocity (SOAR).

“Serve Others. Achieve Reciprocity isn’t just our name, it’s how we operate,” said Sherone White, founder of Let Us SOAR. “When service is intentional, the return shows up in stronger communities and expanded opportunity.”

Let Us SOAR was created to help artistes and cultural leaders turn influence into lasting community impact.

Keisha Pessoa, principal of the Seaview Gardens Primary school, poses with outstanding male student Rhun Tomlinson during the S.O.A.R. (Student Overcoming Academic Roadblock) award ceremony at primary school.

“Let Us SOAR exists to give structure to purpose. The organisation works behind the scenes to help artistes establish foundations, develop meaningful programmes, and manage compliance in both the United States and Jamaica, ensuring that giving back is intentional, accountable, and built to last,” White said.

The work of Let Us SOAR is shaped by real human experiences. White wants to use the experiences and input of reggae and dancehall artistes to highlight social ills and inspire change within the society.

“Reggae artiste Chuck Fenda has spoken openly about facing abandonment and colorism, challenges that shaped his worldview and commitment to defending the vulnerable. Dancehall figure Lisa Hype has also lived her struggles publicly, including mental health challenges, reminding audiences that success does not erase hardship,” White said.

“For Let Us SOAR, stories like those of Chuck Fenda and Lisa Hype are not end points, they are starting points for impact, healing, and purposeful change,” she said.

Rather than one-off charity moments, Let Us SOAR begins by listening, identifying what matters most to each artist or partner, whether education, youth development, wellness, or community empowerment.

“We don’t shy away from hard stories,” White added. “We build around them, so healing and purpose can follow.”

That community-first approach is led on the ground in Jamaica by Jim Parker, who oversees local coordination and partnerships.

“This work has to be rooted in the community to be effective,” Parker said. “Our focus is making sure initiatives are relevant, respectful, and actually serve the people they’re meant to support.”

That focus is echoed by Alexis Graves, an international educator and chairperson of Let Us SOAR Foundation US. She is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for every child through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.

“Education is where reciprocity begins,” Graves said. “When children are given access to STEM, they gain tools that change the trajectory of their lives, and their communities.”

In Jamaica, Let Us SOAR is already active in inner-city communities such as Seaview Gardens. On March 29, the organisation will host a community upliftment event that brings together culture, education, and service.

Central to that mission is the SOAR (Students Overcoming Academic Roadblocks) initiative, which focuses on removing barriers to education and creating pathways for student success.

As a public benefit corporation, Let Us SOAR balances purpose with discipline, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and long-term impact.

“At its heart, reciprocity is the return,” White said. “When we serve others, everyone rises.”