Lil Laughs Program Empowers Youth Through Comedy

Lil Laughs is a comedy-based program founded by Baltimore comedian "Big" Fred Watkins in 2016. The program aims to build confidence, empower youth, and combat bullying through the power of humor. Watkins saw the prevalence of jokes in schools and decided to harness that energy in a positive way to help children and teenagers build self-esteem.By using comedy as a tool for empowerment, Lil Laughs helps children realize their potential and talents. Watkins believes that by instilling confidence in the youth, they can pursue their dreams, whether it be in medicine, law, or even comedy. The program focuses on maintaining active engagement throughout the year, including during the school term, summer camps, and community events to provide consistent support for the youth.According to Watkins, comedy helps alleviate the pressures of everyday life, especially for young people. By creating a supportive and relatable environment, Lil Laughs encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and connect with their peers. The program is currently based at Great Cecil Elementary School, one of its partner organizations.