Usher is inspiring a whole new generation with the help of a new campaign for the Boys & Girls Club of America.

BE GREAT is the organization's new awareness initiative, and Usher's theme in it is BE ICONIC.

For his part in the campaign, he unveiled a billboard featuring a childhood picture of himself and his theme. After that, he visited the Brookhaven branch of the Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta.

While there, he taped a short film about what the BGCA has done for him.

"Growing up in the Club, I had the chance to experience a lot of positive things; it helped reinforce the values I learned at home including good character, leadership and giving back to the community, my country and my world," Usher said.

And had it not been for the BGCA, Usher may never have gone on to win five Grammys. "It's where I developed my love of singing and performing, received help with my homework, and it's where I found a safe place to go after school."

Usher won't be the only alumnus taking part in the campaign: Denzel Washington, Ashanti, Bill Cosby and Queen Latifah will also be participating.

-- Sonya Eskridge