Up with People: Notable Alumni and Their Impact
Up with People (UWP) is an educational, cultural, and civic organization that was founded on July 23, 1968. It emerged from a split with Moral Re-Armament, a multifaith religious movement. J. Blanton Belk established UWP to unite young adults across various backgrounds through positivity and music. The organization is known for its global tours and performances at significant events, including Super Bowls, the Indianapolis 500, and the White House. Over the years, UWP has fostered a diverse community, with many alumni making notable contributions in various fields.
The Up with People Concept
UWP was created to bring people together for the common good regardless of ideology, political affiliation, ethnicity, race, or religious affiliation. It traveled and performed its musical show across several countries. Notable events included performances at the Indianapolis 500, the Cotton Bowl, the White House, Super Bowl X, and the People's Republic of China.
Historical Performances and Evolution
In the 1980s, UWP continued its musical tour, performing at Super Bowls XIV and XVI, President George H.W. Bush’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., and in Berlin to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall. Throughout the 1990s, UWP performed at events such as the Washington Monument celebration, the Freedom Festival in Philadelphia, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development's Earth Summit, and the first Celebration of Peace event with Colin Powell in Denver, Colorado.
After a period of suspended touring operations from 2000 to 2004, UWP was rebranded with a more academic focus, emphasizing travel, volunteer service, performing arts, and leadership development through the Worldsmart Leadership Program. Although the sub-brand was later discontinued, UWP continued to make notable appearances, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the United Nations Culture of Peace Forum, the 400th Anniversary of Bermuda, and the Tournament of Roses Parade.
In the 2010s, UWP performed for Queen Silvia of Sweden at the Mentor Foundation Gala, at the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade, and at the 100th Anniversary of Kiwanis International in Indianapolis, Indiana. Vernon C. Grigg III was appointed as the president and CEO, succeeding Dale Penny.
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Archival Resources
The UWP Archives, which include materials from the organization, the International Alumni Association, and the personal papers of J. Blanton Belk and his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Belk, are housed at the University of Arizona Special Collections library.
Notable Alumni
Up with People has produced a diverse array of alumni who have made significant impacts in various fields. Some notable individuals include:
- Glenn Close: Actress who toured with Up With People with the original cast from 1965-68. She was part of the Green-Glenn singers and is featured on the first recorded album and first TV special of Up With People.
- Tom Costello: NBC News correspondent who traveled with Up with People.
- Frank Gatson Jr.: Creative director for En Vogue, Brandy, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé, who also traveled with Up with People.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its positive image, UWP has faced criticism. In the 1990s, its musical-style spectacles were often mocked for being dated and insincere. Some critics viewed the organization's performances as "sickly sweet" and "insufferable."
The documentary Smile 'Til It Hurts: The Up With People Story (2009), created by Lee Storey, the wife of a former UWP member, presents a critical perspective. The film suggests that UWP, founded on conservative American ideals, was funded by corporate America as propaganda against the liberal counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s.
Cultural Influence
Up with People has also influenced popular culture. Music critics have cited UWP as a stylistic influence for R.E.M.'s "Shiny Happy People" and its music video. The TV show The Simpsons parodied the group as "Hooray for Everything," while Cheers featured a similar group called "The Grinning Americans."
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Up with People International Alumni Association (UWPIAA)
Up with People has an alumni group/professional networking organization that goes by the name: the Up with People International Alumni Association (UWPIAA). It was formed in 1988 and is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Colleen Dowd - ‘84A is the long-serving cast rep. In Limerick in 2024 the UWPIAA recognized three James E. MacLennan Everyday Heroes for their remarkable achievements in the world. Cast/Crew Reps provide service to both their casts/crews and the alumni body as a whole. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to humankind, by carrying forward the ideals of Up with People.
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