Support Wide Angle's Middle School Media Programs!

When I was a teenager, I felt driven to spaces that allowed me to express my fullest self: ones that understood the power of youth voice, and provided tools and access I might not have otherwise had. Wide Angle Youth Media was one of those spaces. I appeared in the Schooling Baltimore Street video, as a result of performing my poetry at numerous youth-led protests for Baltimore City School funding from 2004-2005. Because of these spaces, I solidified my voice as a youth poet, one who was very vocal about understanding the causes, and changing the effects of systemic racism in my community. As you may know, Baltimore City is a groundbreaking place, filled with phenomenal young talent and vision. Unfortunately, far too often, this talent and vision falls by the wayside without proper guidance or outlets.

Many moons and significant breakthroughs in technology later, it became one of my life missions to give back to those who gave to me; to act in the principle of Ubuntu - I am because we are. This is why I became a performance artist, educator, and Middle School Coordinator at Wide Angle Youth Media. Each week, I teach in the Baltimore Speaks Out (BSO) Program, in partnership with Enoch Pratt Libraries, for young people ages 10-15 across Baltimore City.

Last year, we engaged young people around the theme of Why Black Lives Matter. It goes without saying: they know why Black lives matter. They vividly see what happens everyday the results of what happens when people, when systems, don't understand this concept. They see the disparities between schools, neighborhoods, and even the imbalanced distribution of Black businesses in their communities. From these conversations, we are able to build bridges, and provide them with hands-on film production experience that their peers, family, and community continue to be thankful for.

"It is great seeing the young people learning new skill sets, and articulating their thoughts and feelings related to many issues. They are the young, gifted, and black of a new generation. We 'old folk' can sit back and relax as a new generation comes into its own!" -A grandmother of 11-year old BSO Waverly Youth Producer, Lia

In order to continue shaping dynamic programming for Baltimore young folks, and to sustain my position as Middle School Coordinator, this means we need your assistance. We want to expand on our partnerships with Enoch Pratt Free Libraries, and with schools in these communities, to reach as many youth throughout Baltimore as possible.

This Giving Tuesday, give the gift of self-efficacy and help amplify youth voice:

• $10 covers a film festival submission for one youth video project.
• $25 pays a Youth Film Ambassador to present their work at a screening.
• $50 supports a teacher to attend a free educator training.
• $150 provides a free screening and discussion in a school or community organization.

With your support, our youth visionaries and the content they produced will spark in-depth, informed conversations at the heart of our social fabric. Please assist me in the efforts of raising at least $500! (Last but not least: it's my birthday today!!!!!!!! Whether you have $1, $5, or $50, it all counts! I'd be genuinely ecstatic at any and every contribution this season!!) Thank you so much for reading, and feel free to pass this on!!

With love,

Unique Robinson