DIVERSITY LEADERS Boot Camp - September 2010: Manifestos

Supporting our mission to produce Black Leadership for the Digital Age: Culturally Conscious Role Models and Meaningful Participants in the Digital Landscape, Message Media Ed presents, Diversity Leaders Boot Camp. This is a 4-hour workshop intensive that combines the African American experience with media education and leadership development activities, as professional development tools. Upon completion, youth share their manifestos: a statement of their vision for their community and the role they commit to playing in achieving that vision. For more information, visithttp://MessageMediaEd.org or call 323-708-2526

FALL NEWS FROM MESSAGE MEDIA ED...

Greetings Family!

We are extremely excited to announce the following upcoming events... Don't miss out on the goodness from Message Media Ed! Hope to see you soon!

In service,

Shani

Message Media Ed presents...

***DIVERSITY LEADERS Boot Camp - September 2010***
For youth, ages 13-17, and their role models on Sat. 9/25/10. More info here http://DiversityLeadersBootCamp.eventbrite.com/
Please share with your constituency and peers... Referrals are welcome! Only 7 slots remaining for youth/adult pairs. Thanks!

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***The 'New' Networking: Social Media for Your Business***
Presented by Shani Byard-Ngunjiri of Message Media Ed, this seminar will provide information on the functions of social networking tools such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and how to leverage them to boost your business’ visibility and sales. Held on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Business Enterprise Center located at 6109 S. Western Ave., L.A. 90047, this free seminar is one in a monthly series sponsored by Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation and the LA Business Assistance Program. To RSVP, email bec@vsedc.org or call 323.789.4515. 

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***SAVE THE DATE: The DIGITAL ELDER Project - November 2010!***

Saturday & Sunday, November 6th & 7th! Details herehttp://DigitalElder.org/ 

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***SBN Perspectives: Countdown to Graduation!***
Many of you may not know, but in addition to running Message Media Ed, I am also pursuing a Doctorate in Education from Loyola Marymount University and will graduate (God willing), May 2011!

Many of the reasons and passions behind the development of The Digital Elder Project, Rise Above the Noise, Diversity Leaders and other programs from Message Media Ed, have been explored throughout this educational journey as well. This last leg will be a ruthless one... I need your support :) Join me in counting down to becoming, DR. Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, Ed.D!...

Facebook: Join my fan page, click "Like" herehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/SBN-Perspectives/122151614502050
Twitter: Follow me here http://Twitter.com/SBNperspectives
Blog: Subscribe here http://SBNperspectives.blogspot.com/

Thanks!
Shani

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***In-Home Computer Tutoring Program***

That's right we will come to you AND provide a computer to practice on if you don't have one. Including: basic computer operation, social media, email, Microsoft Office, website building and much more... Serving youth, adults and seniors throughout South LA! Sessions start at $20/hr... Yup! That's all! Visit the PROGRAMS section of our website at http://MessageMediaEd.org/to download the flyer.

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***OTHER EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH MESSAGE MEDIA ED***
--- On behalf of Principal Carrie Allen, please join the faculty and staff of Crenshaw High School for the 4th Annual Back-To-School Community Welcome Day on Monday – September 13th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Once again, we are hoping for a strong showing of community love and support for our students. Please bring your smiles, your cheers and your words of encouragement. We look forward to your participation in helping us to get our children off to a great start for the 2010-2011 Academic Year. For more information or to R.S.V.P. call (323) 299-9660, Extension 220

--- Shaping Black Culture in the Diaspora: An Ark for the 21st Century - "We Are the Promise", Thursday, October 7th-Sunday, October 10th in Leimert Park, Los Angeles! More info visithttp://ShapingBlackCulture.blogspot.com/

--- ICTC 7th International Black Midwives and Healers Conference, in Long Beach, CA, is just 5 weeks away. Register online now at www.ictcmidwives.org. All are welcome. A Gala and Award Ceremony Featuring Keynote Speaker Grammy Award Winner Erykah Badu! Our luncheon keynote speaker is public health administrator, pediatrician & neonatal/perinatal specialist, Reverend Dr.Ronald David, MD. There are so many amazing workshops for 4 days, including pathways to Midwifery, FGM, Mothering herbs, placenta awareness, gestational diabetes, water birth, and lots more.


Forward,

Shani

SAVE THE DATES: Digital Elder Coming Soon...

SAVE THE DATES:

Saturday & Sunday, November 6th & 7th, The Digital Elder Project

@ the LA Urban League West Adams/Baldwin Hills WorkSource Center!

$60 Investment (includes all food, materials and fun!)

Get registered TODAY to reserve your spot, by emailingshani@messagemediaed.org or call 323-708-2526 for more info and to request a registration packet! 


More info on becoming a Digital Elder here http://DigitalElder.org

In the meantime... 

(From a participant in a research study I conducted): "I like Lil Wayne, he makes me feel like a pimp!" Is the Media mentoring black youth in the 21st Century? Yup! Are African American youth largely contributing to the nationwide high school dropout rate? Yup!  

Let's change that...

http://DiversityLeadersBootCamp.eventbrite.com

DIVERSITY LEADERS Boot Camp - Sat. 9/25, 9:30am-1:30pm

ATTENTION: MENTORS, PARENTS, GUARDIANS, ADULT FAMILY MEMBERS!

In Los Angeles, 52% of African American youth who enter 9th grade DO NOT GRADUATE four years later. Let's solidify their support system today! 

Message Media Ed presents...

DIVERSITY LEADERS Boot Camp

Where the Art of Media Education meets Black Culture and Leadership Development

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 9:30am-1:30pm (Sharp!)

@ Vegan Village Cafe - Upstairs

4067 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, 90019 - DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Wednesday, September 22nd

Facilitated by:

Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, M.S.

Executive Director, Message Media Ed

This is an African Centered, Media Education and Empowerment Workshop Intensive designed to introduce creative ways to enhance youth/adult communication, build healthy youth images, explore life goals, and develop a support network for leadership in the Digital Age. Also, come prepared to collaborate, produce media and have fun, in a supportive and creative space!

Registration information:

1. This workshop is designed for YOUTH (AGES 13-17). ALL YOUTH MUST HAVE AN ADULT SPONSOR (Parent, Mentor, Guardian, Family Member) AND THAT SPONSOR MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE FULL WORKSHOP AS WELL. 

2. To receive a Registration Packet, please call 323-708-2526 or email shani@messagemediaed.org or register and pay online.

3. Investment: $40/pair (Youth and Sponsor) includes refreshments and workshop materials. Registration and payments can be made online at http://DiversityLeadersBootCamp.eventbrite.com or checks & registration can be mailed to: Message Media Ed 2244 W. Adams Blvd. Ste 6 Los Angeles, CA 90018 (All payments are non-refundable)

4. Deadline to Register: Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

About Message Media Ed:

Message Media Ed provides traveling professional development workshops for youth, adults and seniors aimed to close the digital, academic and socioeconomic divides in the African American community of South Los Angeles. The mission of Message Media Ed is to produce Black Leadership for the Digital Age by providing safe and supportive spaces for cultural healing, leadership development and skill building in media literacy, new media and technology education. Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, M.S., is the Executive Director of Message Media Ed, a proud native of Leimert Park, Los Angeles and is an Artist, Educator and Social Justice Advocate.  Find out more at http://MessageMediaEd.org, call 323-708-2526 or email shani@messagemediaed.org

Black Leadership in the Digital Age: Rise Above the Noise - Part 1

Black Leadership in the Digital Age: Rise Above the Noise – Part 1

By, Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, M.S. http://MessageMediaEd.org shani@messagemediaed.org

I always say, “American media has replaced the traditional role of the African elder – as village leader, value shaper, educator.” This process of substitution began from the time our ancestors were stolen from Africa, enslaved in America, and is sustained today as we currently survive as African Americans in a media saturated society. Media is defined as multiple means of communication. It has been used as a tool to oppress and enslave African Americans for centuries. Multiple forms of media – images, language, printed materials, tone, lighting, TV, film, and public displays of violence, rape, murder – were used to successfully strip away all values, language, spiritual, social and economic practices in our indigenous African culture. In the Digital Age, African Americans are still heavily influenced by the media. Messages from the media inform our relationships, eating habits, sexual practices, purchasing power, and how we perceive our potential for success and community advancement. Because of this, African Americans have the highest representation in foster care, gang violence, suicide, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer, AIDS, media/entertainment and beauty/hair product consumerism and use, and high school/college dropout and incarceration rates. Media literacy provides a means to counter media influence. Becoming media literate is one of three components needed for successful Black Leadership in the Digital Age. Media literacy, from an African-centered perspective, has the potential to attain the mental liberation we’ve needed in the Black community for centuries. Rise Above the Noise refers to the impact of media literacy and the ability to rise above oppressive media tools, messages and influence driving America’s dominating culture. Becoming more aware of media influence, cultivating the skill to critically analyze media messages, co-constructing authentic media messages, are all critical to media literacy. Interested in becoming media literate? Email me and stay tuned for part two…

JOIN ME FOR MY B-DAY & RAISE FUNDS FOR MESSAGE MEDIA ED!

Yay!!! It's my birthday!

I'm so excited for the opportunity to celebrate with you!!! This is a casual event, so come as you are... I just want to see you :). Grab a bite to eat and drink at my favorite restaurant in the whole world, and let's hang! Vegan Village Cafe has an assortment of really, really tasty soul food, soups, salads, juices and everything is vegan and mostly organic! Come on over and enjoy this space with me!

I usually don't request gifts for my birthdays. However, I do have a special request this time. In lieu of gifts, I would love for you to contribute to my org,Message Media Ed. We don't have our 501(c)(3) status yet, so I can't offer you the tax write-off as an incentive. However, look at it as sponsoring me to continue serving youth, adults and seniors from a cultural community in great need. No amount is too small... and ONLY donate if you can :)

If for some reason you can't join us for the celebration, but would still like to contribute something, please feel free to make checks payable and mail to:

Message Media Ed
2244 W. Adams Blvd. Ste. 6
Los Angeles, CA 90018

I hope you can come though. I look forward to seeing you and DESSERT IS ON ME!!! And you will love it!

Blessings and love,

Shani Byard-Ngunjiri
(your fam, friend, classmate, and sister in love and struggle)


"This is a critical juncture in African history, and every thought and action has the potential for becoming liberating or incarcerating. We must create the context for our own growth and development." -- Wad e Nobles (1995)

The vision of Message Media Ed is to cultivate the capacity in youth, adults and seniors of African descent, to skillfully diversify, lead and innovate in the 21st Century community, classroom and workplace.

The Best Deal in South Los Angeles!

AFFORDABLE SUMMER COMPUTER TUTORING!

From June to August 2010 we will provide IN-HOME COMPUTER TUTORING! That's right! We will come to you and bring a computer if you don't have one. 1-on-1 Tutoring covers: computer operation/troubleshooting, internet navigation, social media, word, powerpoint, basic website building, publisher, excel and more!

Sessions start at $20/hr, throughout the Los Angeles (South LA) area.

Email us for a Message Media Ed Summer Tutoring Rate Sheet and to schedule appointments at shani@messagemediaed.org or call 323-708-2526!Scheduling appointments now!

Designed for youth, adults and elders in need... I'm sure you know someone who needs this service... SPREAD THE WORD!

RISE ABOVE THE NOISE: The Normalization of Failure & Black Inferiority in the Media

Message Media Ed presents…

RISE ABOVE THE NOISE
"The Normalization of Failure & Black Inferiority in the Media"

In an effort to create a safe space for cultural healing and shifts in consciousness, we present a Rise Above the Noise. Our purpose is to discuss and critically analyze issues affecting the nationwide black community and the role corporate American media plays in creating those issues. With a goal of identifying healthy solutions, participants practice critical thinking, engage in discourse and become media literate. Come prepared to share, reflect and transform as we discern the motivation behind and impact of media campaigns aimed to ensure white privilege, financial gain and power, and simultaneously limit advancement and cultivate consumerism in the black community.

Facilitated by Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, MS
Founder/Executive Director of Message Media Ed.

All donations support the vision of Message Media Ed to cultivate the capacity in youth, adults and seniors of African descent to skillfully diversify, lead and innovate in the 21st Century community, classroom and workplace.

Sunday, June 27, 2010, 3-6pm
@Vegan Village Internet Café
4061 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019
(at Norton, west of Crenshaw)

$5 donation - Refreshments provided - Ages 14 & Up

RSVP by WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23RD:
323-708-2526 or shani@messagemediaed.org
www.MessageMediaEd.org

MESSAGE MEDIA ED FEATURED AT DIGIVENTURE.ORG SYMPOSIUM

DigiVenture's 'Women of Color in Digital Media' symposium. The panel includes Carmen Dixon from Allaboutrace.com, web tv entrepreneur and founder of Epic Fu, Zadi Diaz and Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, founder of Message Media Ed. For more about this amazing organization, visit http://Digiventure.org