About

BARAK, Inc.

The Mission of BARAK, Inc. is to use the arts as a platform to mentor youth, revitalize our neighborhoods and communities and build bridges of reconciliation and healing across the community.

We’re a cutting-edge non-profit organization that engages youth through the arts. We have built an outstanding reputation with innovative programming blending education, character development, life and job skills to effectively impact the lives of over 1500 children since 1999.

BARAK, Inc. has over a decade of history of using visual and performing arts to mentor youth, revitalize neighborhoods and build bridges of harmony and healing in Harrisburg and across Central Pennsylvania.

To nurture excellence and deter youth violence, BARAK, Inc. encourages young people to participate in the arts as a means of positive self-expression. In addition, the organization provides:

  • Productive group activities during non-school house that promote excellence, discourage involvement in gang activity and other antisocial behavior.
  • Mentoring by supportive adults
  • Opportunities to entertain the community with quality, socially relevant performances
  • Public recognition for their work

Wendell C. Murray, a producer, director, actor and community activist founded BARAK, Inc. in 1999.  Since then the organization has become known for touching the lives of hundreds of youth by teaching them the art of mural making and life skills that foster positive social development.

During that time, our students have participated in a variety of public art projects, including:

  • Harrisburg Hospital’s new ER
  • Gallery Blu Art Gallery
  • Trashcan Transformers – public trash receptacle painting
  • Harrisburg Patriot-News Artsfest
  • The reservoir tanks in Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park
  • Multiple schools in the Harrisburg School District. 

Using arts-related community revitalization projects as a focal point, we teach youth to work cooperatively and take an active role in improving the quality of life in the Capital Region.

Board of Directors:

Henry J. Hill – Chairman

Elizabeth Jefferies – Secretary

Perisse Hatcher

Yvonne  E. Hollins

Wendell C. Murray – Founder / CEO