We Made the News!

Happy Friday Fam!

Click and view below!

Message Media Ed Featured in Our Weekly!

Last Day to Donate to 5 Bucks for Black Beauty!

Need A Computer? 

Back to School in Los Angeles Looks Different Through an African American Lens!

Teen Open Mic Begins Next Friday, August 5th! Parents - Download your permission slip!

Last Day to Register for The Digital Elder Project w/ Early Bird Discount, Fri. Aug. 5th!

Become a MEMBER of Message Media Ed - School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age! Free Tutoring! Free Access to Computer Lab! & more!

Please review attached event calendar including our Digital Scholars After School Program to turn our youth intoteen published authors! Also, please parents and youth should join us for our Monthly Lecture Series to learn how tonavigate predominantly White and Latino K-12 & higher ed schools in Los Angeles!  

Enjoy our work and enjoy your weekend!

In service,

Shani

Need A Computer?

Greetings Family!

Need a desktop computer??? We Just got a bunch of 3 yr old Dell desktops (monitor, mouse, keyboard & power cord) donated from my alma mater, Harvard Westlake School! We have many to spare! They all have anti-virus & microsoft office suite! They are in GREAT CONDITION! Pick one up from us today for ONLY $50 and support Message Media Ed as we fundraise to repair and beautify our new space! If you don't need one, please spread the word!!! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!! 

Call 323-708-2526 to schedule a pick up! THANK YOU HARVARD WESTLAKE!

Thank you all for supporting us!!!

In service,

The Team @ Message Media Ed

End of Summer/Back-2-School Events @ Message Media Ed!

Greetings Family!

Please note the following BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS @ Message Media Ed - School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age! If you have questions, or would like to schedule an orientation, RSVP, sponsor an event, please call us at 323-708-2526 or email info@messagemediaed.org.

Okay! Here we go!

5 Bucks for Black Beauty!

A Building Repair & Beautification Global Fundraiser

Featuring and exclusive performance by... Brother J of X Clan and Surprise Guests! MAKE A DONATION BEFORE JULY 29TH TO HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! All details here

http://5bucksforblackbeauty.eventbrite.com

Summer Mixer for Digital Elder and Diversity Leader Grads (only)

Sunday, July 24, 3-5pm @ MME 

Digital Lyricist XChange (DLX) - Teen voice, open mic style and podcast online

Every Other Friday, Beginning August 5th, 6-11pm @MME

Co-Facilitators: Brother J of X Clan, DJ A-Ski, Mark Anthony Benson, Jason MPRVS Johnson, Sebastien Elkouby & Shani Byard

Ages 13-18, $5 (includes snacks) *Parents need to download and submit permission slip for youth under 18

All info here http://www.messagemediaed.org/#!digital-lyricist-xchange

Press release here http://messagemediaed.blogspot.com/2011/07/educators-artists-say-no-to-n-word.html

Walking In Rhythm - creative music and writing workshop!

Two Saturdays, August 6th & 20th, 10am-1pm, @MME

Instructor: DJ A-Ski (yay!)

Ages 13-18, $20 total for two sessions (includes snacks & materials)

Participants, write and create a song or poetry addressing issues in our community, and the 2-day workshop series culminates in presentation for families!

*Call us to sign-up your teen!

MME Monthly Lecture Series: Navigating Predominantly White and Latino K-12 & Higher Ed Schools

Thursday, August 25th, 6-8:30pm, @MME

Guest Panelists include:

Miranda Raoof, Principal, John Muir Middle School

Darin Earley, Founder, Bridge Builders Network

Adriane Peralta, Special Ed Coordinator/Summer School Principal, Green Dot Schools

Jade Smith, Asst. Dean of Students, Loyola Marymount University

Moderator: Shani Byard, Founder/Executive Director, Message Media Ed

All ages! $5 (non-members), Free (members), Light Refreshments served

*Call 323-708-2526 to RSVP

The Digital Elder Project - 2-day Empowerment Retreat! Empower Online & in the African American Community!

Sat., Aug 27th (9am-6pm) & Sun., Aug. 28th (1-7pm) @MME

Enhance your texting, email, facebook & twitter marketing skills! Create a podcast designed to empower the community! Learn the language our young people speak so we can support their growth appropriately!

Ages 13-100, $60 (includes all meals and materials), $45 Early Bird until Aug. 5th

Scholarships Available for those in financial need!

All info here http://deaugust2011.eventbrite.com/ Registration is online and via mail.

**Please share!

SAVE THE DATE: MME Grand Opening Village Festival!

Saturday, September 17th, 3-8pm @ MME

*Guest List Only 

**Event Flyer here http://www.messagemediaed.org/#!grand-opening

***Vendor/Sponsor Deadline: Aug. 5th

ALSO, ASK US ABOUT OUR DIGITAL SCHOLARS TEEN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (FALL & SPRING), DESIGNED TO PREP OUR YOUTH TO BECOME PUBLISHED AUTHORS!

Peace and much love to you! Hope to see you soon!

In service,

Shani

5 BUCKS for Black Beauty?

HAAAAA!!! So exciting! This is a global fundraising event, Obama style... DONATE 5 BUCKS FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THIS WORLD THIS WEEK to support our work to empower the African American community in South Los Angeles, through media literacy, cultural awareness and leadership development! :-)

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That's correct family! We are raising $7,000 to repair and beautify the new home of Message Media Ed and we need each one of you to donate 5 bucks to help us reach our goal! Can you help us? CAN U SHARE, RE-POST, RETWEET & FORWARD AS WELL?

Please click on the link to make an online donation TODAY and for more details on this global fundraiser!  http://5bucksforblackbeauty.eventbrite.com 

If you'd like to mail us a donation, please address your check or money order to:

Message Media Ed

4923 W. Adams Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 90016

**Also, if you are in Los Angeles, we are hosting an exclusive performance by the legendary hip hop messenger Brother J of X Clan, and LA's very own diva emcee, Medusa, and other awesome artists to raise funds! This will be a clean and fun family show! Click here for all details! http://5bucksforblackbeauty.eventbrite.com

It takes place this Friday, 7-10pm, $5 admission, for all ages, to help us reach our target as well!

We are also raffling off 2 tickets to see an incredible play Quincy Jones describes as, "... a combination of soul and science" called, "The Word Begins" featuring Def Jam poets, Sekou tha Misfit and Steve Connell! (http://TheWordBegins.com)

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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Interested in getting a sneak peek of our new home??? Want to see our wish list as well?  Check out my video blog (aka VLOG) here http://messagemediaed.blogspot.com/2011/07/vlogging-about-our-new-home-for-message.html :) And try not to laugh at me! lol

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Lastly, PLEASE forward this email on to your social circle. We need our village to support us :-) Thank you!

In service,

Shani

Vlogging about our new home for Message Media Ed lol! - part 1

Thank you for watching me go on and on lol! This was my first Vlog : -)

If you are interested in finding out what we need to help make our new home complete... here's our wish list:

INDOORS:

3 tablets or laptops or desktop computers (wifi ready)

folding chairs (brown or black)

front lobby chairs (2)

book shelves (wooden)

6" tables

sound system (speakers, amp, microphone)

love seat (fun color)

cushy chair (fun color)

bean bags (fun colors)

coffee maker

plants

projector screen

OUTDOORS:

patio furniture: wooden benches, picnic table, end tables and lounge chairs, a tent, a table with fire pit inside (for smores! lol)

flowers for our flower beds

essentials to build an above-the-ground garden of fruits and vegetables


OR if you'd like to send us a donation, please do so to:

Message Media Ed
4923 W. Adams Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

OR 'send money' via PayPal to shani@messagemediaed.org

For more info in Message Media Ed, please visit http://MessageMediaEd.org or call 323-708-2526.

<3

MME Launches Community Bridge Initiative: A Vision for a Higher Ed, Media & Community Learning Circle

... Dedicated to the beauty in the struggle.

(click document below to enlarge)

What resources do you have to help this initiative manifest? 

Educators & Artists Say NO to the N-Word & Cursing for Teen Open Mic!

Digital Lyricist XChange Opens its Doors to South Los Angeles Youth Looking to Develop Their Talents in Hip Hop and Creative Writing

Los Angeles, July, 2011 – This summer, L.A. youth seeking a way to develop their talent will have a new place to call home.  The Digital Lyricist XChange, a Friday night open mic and talent search where teens between the ages of 13-18 can express themselves through rap, poetry, singing, and creative writing, will host its first session on Friday, August 5, 2011 from 6 to 11 pm. Located in South Los Angeles, where such a venue is sorely needed, this MONTHLY event will fill a void left by a crumbling state budget that doesn’t place the arts on their list of priorities.

Dr. Shani Byard, who has a history of community activism through her organization, Message Media Ed – School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age, is excited about this new venture.  “Digital Lyricist XChange will allow us to offer a healthy, creative space -- free from the negativity we are used to hearing and observing in the media -- for young people to build their voices related to social issues affecting them, their families and neighborhoods. No drugs, cursing or use of the n-word allowed. We look forward to coaching and developing their performance skills as well”, she says. 

With Hip Hop culture and music being the dominant voice in today’s youth culture, it made sense to use Hip Hop as the primary medium of expression.  To that aim, the facilitators chosen for the role of leading the sessions all have experience in Hip Hop and education: Brother J, Founder of the Legendary Hip Hop group X Clan and Board Member of Message Media Ed, Sebastien Elkouby, Hip Hop educator for Global Awareness through Hip Hop Culture Program, A-Ski, DJ and producer, Mark Anthony Benson, Hip Hop historian, educator, and active mentor to foster youth, and Jason ‘MPRVS’ Johnson, musician, producer and educator.

Dr. Byard says, “Selecting the team of co-facilitators was extremely easy because we all strategically work toward transforming Hip Hop music and culture in some capacity. We have all worked in the record industry as well. We look forward to building media literate, young leaders, proud of their culture and heritage, ready to challenge the Hip Hop norm by bringing balance to such a powerful culture and lifestyle."

DIGITAL LYRICIST XCHANGE < - ADVANCE CREATIVITY - located at Message Media Ed, 4923 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.  It will take place FIRST Fridays starting on Friday, August 5, 2011 from 6 to 11 pm.  Parents of youth under 18 are encouraged to sign up their children in advance.  The investment is $5 and snacks are included.  For more information and to RSVP, visit the Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116658531761286 or call 323-708-2526.

About Message Media Ed

Message Media Ed – School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age < - ADVANCE, is designed to close the digital divide and increase leadership and innovation in the African American community of South Los Angeles: culturally conscious role models and meaningful participants in the digital landscape. This is achieved by providing supportive, engaging learning environments for increasing cultural awareness, leadership development and skill building in media literacy, social media and information technology for youth, adults and seniors. For more info, visit MessageMediaEd.org.

Media Contact:

Joanne Griffith-Poplar

Jane Hannah Media

310-848-0757

info@janehannahmedia.com 

We Have BIG News! :)

Greetings Family!

We have BIG news!!! Last week, we secured our very first home for Message Media Ed! We will not only continue to provide your fav workshops, The Digital Elder Project, Diversity Leaders & Rise Above the Noise, but we can now host a series of African/African American themed symposiums, guest lectures, evening performances, an after-school program and much more!

We are now... Message Media Ed - School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age!

We are located at 4923 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (just east of La Brea Blvd), and we are proud neighbors of the William Grant Still Arts Center!

Beginning July 1st, we will open our doors! We will host some summer programs (including The Digital Elder Project, Aug. 27th & 28th), and our Grand Opening Village Festival will take place on Saturday, September 17th, 3-8pm! FREE Admission! Bring the Family! (Please keep an eye out for the official e-invitation to RSVP - This will be a guest list only event)

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! Make sure to enjoy the festivities as we celebrate this NEW chapter in the NEW home of Message Media Ed! (We are currently seeking African/African American themed vendors and sponsors to participate in our Grand Opening Festival - please email shani@messagemediaed.org to receive a vendor/sponsor packet)

Lastly, I wanted to share with you a recent video podcast created by Digital Elder graduates entitled, Jumping Across the Digital Divide... and they are literally jumping! Enjoy watching the podcast here and we'll be in touch with you with more good news...

It just keeps getting better :)

In service,

Shani

Dr. Shani :) 

Founder/Executive Director, Message Media Ed

Doctoral Candidate, School of Education

Loyola Marymount University

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Message Media Ed

School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age

**Our new home!

School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age

4923 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90016

Make an appointment for an orientation...

323-708-2526 cell or shani@messagemediaed.org

**Grand Opening: Sat. 9/17/11, 3-8pm!

http://MessageMediaEd.org

For all press/media inquiries, contact Joanne @ Jane Hannah Media

"We exist to empower... to nurture, challenge, heal and inspire. We are here most of all to ignite the beauty and brilliance within African American youth, and to cultivate a skilled, supportive community of growth and transformation." - Shani Byard

Digital Elders are JUMPING Across the Digital Divide!

When you participate in our most popular program, The Digital Elder Project - 2-day Empowerment Retreat, you not only have the opportunity to become more culturally aware, build skills in computer operation, social media and internet navigation, make new friends, and grow as a community, but you also engage in digital storytelling! All Digital Elder graduates create a video podcast designed to educate, inspire and/or empower the African American community in some way.

Please enjoy a recent video podcast, "Jumping Across the Digital Divide"...

Although The Digital Elder Project is primarily designed for seniors and adults, strengthening intergenerational communication is a key outcome of this program. Therefore, youth are invited to participate as well! 

Please join us for the next...

Digital Elder Project - 2-day Empowerment Retreat!

Saturday and Sunday, August 27th & 28th 

@ our new home... Message Media Ed - School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age

4923 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90016 (just east of La Brea Blvd.)

EmPower Online and in the African American Community

Ages 13-100 welcome!

All information regarding registration is here! If you would like to register through the mail, please email shani@messagemediaed.org to receive a registration packet. The deadline for Early Bird registration is Friday, August 5, 2011!

Want more info on becoming a Digital Elder? Please check out our programs at Message Media Ed

The Digital Elder Project is funded in part by the California Consumer Protection Foundation.

We Just HAD to Share...

This is a letter from one of the Digital Elder Scholarship recipients, made possible by the California Consumer Protection Foundation... I just had to share :) Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Dear Friends and Supporters of Message Media Ed,

Thank you so much for the opportunity you have given me, to participate and learn so much in the 2 day empowerment retreat, The Digital Elder Project. It made me aware of the concerns and issues affecting thecommunity today and want to take action. We shared so much knowledge and it was so refreshing to work and learn in such a nurturing environment. The Elders in the class were so interesting and inspiring as well as the facilitators. I feel as if I've leaped light years in knowledge about social media. I now have email skills; I have a facebook page; and I Twitter!!! I can see how I can grow my new business with these tools. I have been unemployed for the last 6 months and this project has helped to equip me with some of the skills I can use to get employment.

Dr. Shani you and your giving staff show such commitment to the needs of the community its awe inspiring, you made me want to be more involved. I have stepped up my service. Please continue to offer the Digital Elder Project. It's so, so, needed.

Thank you peace and blessings,

Digital Elder graduate

**The next Digital Elder Project - 2-day Empowerment Retreat is Sat & Sun, August 27 & 28th! Save the date and email me for a registration packet... All ages - All skill levels - Come prepared to use new media tools to help resolve the issues facing the African American community!  This retreat is like nothing you've experienced before... :)

Dr. Shani :) 

Founder/Executive Director, Message Media Ed

Doctoral Candidate, School of Education

Loyola Marymount University

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Message Media Ed - Innovators Uncovered

School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age

Mailing Address: 6709 La Tijera Blvd #155

Los Angeles, Ca 90045-2017

Hours of Operation: Tues-Thurs, 10am-6pm

323-708-2526 cell

shani@messagemediaed.org

http://MessageMediaEd.org

For all press/media inquiries, contact Joanne @ Jane Hannah Media

"We exist to empower... to nurture, challenge, heal and inspire. We are here most of all to ignite the beauty and brilliance within African American youth, and to cultivate a skilled, supportive community of growth and transformation." - Shani Byard