In 2007, Philip Bailey — lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire — started a nonprofit organization to help foster youth as they age out of the system and transition into adulthood. 

Bailey spoke with “Inside the Issues” host Alex Cohen about why he founded Music In Unity. 

The musician says he was investigating charity causes with his daughter, when he discovered that over 20,000 children are pushed out of the foster care system each year, with many struggling with homelessness.

“I can’t imagine any of my kids being out here in this really cold, cruel world with nobody,” he said.

A percentage of all Earth, Wind & Fire ticket sales are given to Music in Unity, and the soul band hosts foster kids at their shows.

“We started doing this thing called our backstage program, and we started inviting foster youth to our concerts and introducing them to all the different facets of our touring entourage,” said Bailey.

Music in Unity hosted a free virtual event called “Level Up Experience” on Thursday. The event was designed to inspire and prepare foster youth aging out of the system.

The experience included “TED Talk-style” workshops that delved into future career planning, relationships and self-care advice.

“It's more like a think tank kind of thing and an informative time to really get their agenda and what their needs are, and see how we can help them to fulfill those needs,” said Bailey.

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