At the True Star Bronzeville headquarters, Cord’e McGee talks about the podcasts that he helped to create with the True Star West Side team at the BBF Center (Building Brighter Futures). / Photos: Israel Wilson
True Star recently hosted a Q1 program meetup event at the True Star headquarters in Bronzeville, and it was an amazing time for all the youth involved.
Teens were able to come together to network and share their True Star experiences about how they created original podcasts episodes and a teen drama web series.
“I felt like the meetup was great. It was great to connect with the other programs,” said Bronzeville podcast member Italy Moore. “I would say the most impactful part was getting to know people from other Chicago schools and getting their opinions on the podcast topics that we chose.”
We were fortunate to have Khalil Cotton and Timara Wade, youth organizers from Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, who shared more about K.O.C.O. and their mission to support teens. Cotton and Wade led a discussion with the youth about Chicago trends and the possible curfew that could be taking place this summer. “Your people can come together and have fun as a collective,” said Wade. “What people fail to realize is that you have all the power.”
Treyvon Blackman, a member of the Corliss production team for the teen YouTube series “The Lies We Tell,” said he enjoyed himself at the event. “I feel like the meetup was good. I was able to see other people’s creations and their creativity. My favorite part of the meetup was probably hearing K.O.C.O. share how they could impact the youth and help the youth with certain movements and issues.”
Teen Kamora Kenley shared more on what it was like to be a part of the web series program and her new found talents with acting. “I feel like we have a great program going on, and I hope that we can reach a lot of teenagers with what we are doing in the web series.” Kenley added that being a part of “The Lies We Tell” web series allowed her to step out of her comfort zone. “I got to explore new things that I like to do, like acting. I’ve never acted before, but I’m very dramatic, so it fits me. …I also liked writing scripts too.”
Overall, it was a great experience for everyone involved. If you are a youth from ages 14-24 interested in journalism, photography, videography or content creation, make sure you follow @True.chi on Instagram for all updates and info!
By Amariyah Mallory, Junior, Whitney Young
IG| Dancemari_
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. Help empower young creators and transform lives by donating at truestarmedia.org/donate. You can also support by purchasing a ticket to our fundraiser on May 8th.
0 Comments