Never before has our nation and the world been inspired by such a charismatic leader. President Barack
Obama’s style, grace and grass roots community training brought a hopeless and broken nation together
with his message. Young people all over the world have responded to the challenge and call for change.
Joshua Thompson briefly takes us back to the night of the 2008 Presidential Election, when then President
Elect Obama gave his speech after winning. Thousands came out to see and hear him. Millions around the world
celebrated history, and the promise of a new day as his spoke of the future and all our responsibilities to it.
Ten year old Joshua Waikel Thompson has been acting since he was five years old. Gifted with photographic memory
since he was four, Joshua has already been very busy. Helping and supporting his father Jonathan Thompson with
his performing arts program, Waikel as he is effectually called has worked as a Actor, Singer, Dancer and Instructor
in the afterschool program. He has been featured on four Indiana television stations, and urban radio’s 1310
the Light with Amos Brown. A fourth grader with Monument Lighthouse Charter School, Waikel loves playing sports and
hanging out with friends and family.
New Generation Inc was founded in 1998 by the inspired vision of Jonathan Thompson. His passion and desire to reach young people propelled him to speak and put his hands to work and meet needs at youth functions all over the United States. However he saw the greatest need right in his own backyard of Indianapolis, Indiana. Jonathan began to partner with organizations, reaching up to 500 teenagers a week. Whether serving breakfast before school, with an encouraging thought or word for the day, or feeding them in the afternoon, helping with life-skills, character development and education opportunities, Jonathan’s passion inspired hope for many.
Mr. Thompson realized very quickly that his background in the Entertainment Business open the doors for genuine discussion with youth. Many often asked him question about the business as well as asking him to teach and train them in expressions relative to the performing arts. In the fall of 2002 with three students using his unique style of teaching, mixing academics, reading, spelling, writing, and math, New Generation Artist Inc, and the Jonathan Thompson School of the Performing Arts was founded.
Over 3000 students have come through the program.