A loving heart: how the effort of one helps many.

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WITH A DESIRE TO IMPROVE THE TRAJECTORY OF NEW York inner-city youth, Pamela Salaam-Jaha says she is committed to creating viable educational opportunities--even if it means one student at a time.

As founder and CEO of Harlem-based Salaam Arts & Inspiration (SAI), Salaam-Jaha develops and implements art-based programs and services incorporating mediums such as music, poetry, performing arts, and film.

"I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to lead our children, our families, and our communities to social leadership, economic strength, political promise, and academic excellence," says Salaam-Jaha, who launched the organization in November 1987.

The former arts in education consultant aggressively saved $45,000 to start SAI, using the money to purchase a computer and fax machine and to create marketing materials. Currently, the organization operates on a yearly budget of $55,000, with all of its funding coming from contracts with schools looking to utilize SAI's curriculum.

In 2000, she created GirlSpirit WomenSong Inc., a charitable organization whose mission is to develop and sustain leadership and life skills, artistic expression, and social etiquette in preteen and teenaged girls. "Everyone is part of our mission: educators, the students, and their families," says the 45-year-old.

Undoubtedly, Harriet's Heart is Salaam-Jaha's most ambitious undertaking. Unveiled in 2005, the four-year initiative consists of her surrogate adoption of 18 ninth graders and one college freshman, taking them through graduation and to the doorstep of the rest of their lives. Each girl represents one of legendary freedom fighter Harriet Tubman's 19 trips through the Underground Railroad, which catapulted the enslaved into freedom. "These girls are on an odyssey to success and self-actualization," asserts Salaam--Jaha. "My hope is that at the conclusion they will be pioneers of a global mission."

"I sought out girls who had the drive and capabilities, if not the resources," says the Bronx native. "Another challenge was convincing candidates to recognize their own potential." To remain in the program, each young lady must maintain a B average, participate in community activities, and begin a GirlSpirit chapter within her school or community. "I know what they're up against," insists Salaam-Jaha, who has witnessed girls fall out of the program due to peer pressure, other outside influences, or lack of parental involvement. Of course, one person's loss is another's gain; Salaam-Jaha then offers the opportunity to another young lady. Fourteen girls remain of the original 19.

The girls are responsible for helping educate one another and the community on a select life platform, which includes civil rights, teen pregnancy; and HIV/AIDS. The final year signifies victory in the form of their high school and college graduations. An integral component of Harriet's Heart is a goal to raise $1 million toward the girls' college educations, through the "All We Need Are 1,000 Angels" fundraising campaign. "Our ancestors stood up for a cause they found worthwhile. Now I am doing the same" For more information, visit www.youtube.com/saihearts.