Scholarships Available!

Greetings Family!!!

It has been a while since we've sent a mass email to you because we have been busy creating the space for lives to be transformed, cultural healing to manifest, and new media skills to cultivate! I love this work!

Up next:

THE DIGITAL ELDER PROJECT - 2-day Empowerment Retreat!

"EmPOWER Online and in the African American Community!

Saturday & Sunday, May 21st & 22nd

@Los Angeles Urban League West Adams/Baldwin Hills WorkSource Center

Registration Deadline: Friday, May 13th

Early Bird Deadline: Friday, May 6th

Click here for all details and to register today! http://MessageMediaEd.org

OR email us to request a registration packet and scholarship apps at info@messagemediaed.org!

Thanks to the California Consumer Protection Foundation, SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE for those in financial need. Please please email us for a scholarship application! Early bird registration is live now as well!  Don't delay, REGISTER TODAY!

Also, our strongest marketing tool is word of mouth, so PLEASE SHARE, by posting this blog or our website address http://MessageMediaEd.org on your FB page, blog or website. You can also email us at info@messagemediaed.org to request a registration packet, and share hard copies with co-workers and friends!

Many thanks and we hope to hear from you soon!

In service,

Dr. Shani :)

Our last training...

Greetings Family!

Our strongest marketing tool is word of mouth... please share this important info!

OUR LAST YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING UNTIL THE FALL! 

***Diversity Leaders Spring Retreat is a unique, culturally conscious, media-rich, learning experience, designed to realize the vision, brilliance and leadership capacity within African American youth :)

REGISTER YOUR YOUTH TODAY! http://dlsr41811.eventbrite.com/

Message Media Ed presents...

DIVERSITY LEADERS 6-DAY SPRING RETREAT 

@ Village Health Foundation!

MON-SAT, APRIL 18-23, 9am-3pm

Designed for youth/young adults, ages 13-25, this leadership retreat sets the standard for all spring break experiences.

Participants will graduate having enhanced their skill-sets in computer operation (microsoft word & powerpoint), internet research & navigation (including the use of Twitter as a research tool) , media analysis & production, social media/email etiquette, resume writing, public speaking, critical thinking, peer mentoring, journaling, and self-reflection!

All youth produce an online portfolio (blog), a professional representation of their talent, voice and passions, useful for college and job applications!

Field trips, local & international guest speakers are included as well!

Registration is now open, participation is limited to 20, and first come first serve.

***REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APRIL 8TH! Act now!

REGISTER OR SPONSOR A YOUTH TODAY! http://dlsr41811.eventbrite.com/

*** If you prefer to register via mail, email me for a registration packet, shani@messagemediaed.org

Please share this critical information and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

In service,

Shani

Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, M.S.
Founder/Executive Director, Message Media Ed

Doctoral Candidate, School of Education

Loyola Marymount University

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Message Media Ed - Innovators Uncovered

Producing Black Leadership for the Digital Age

6709 La Tijera Blvd #155

Los Angeles, Ca 90045-2017

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, motivate 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-Ngunjiri

The Village Has Spoken!

Greetings Family!

First, we must give thanks for our village members' contributions! Thank you for answering my call to match our Digital Elder's $300 contribution toward purchasing 2 more laptops for the remaining Digital Lyricist finalists!

Special thanks to...

Veronica Castro Sabbaghi

Jeffrey Jenkins

Keisa Davis

Arts Culture Entertainment (ACE), LLC on behalf of the Masked Minister for the Arts

Jane Hannah Media

...and our anonymous village members!

We raised $380 last week!  This, with our Digital Elder's contribution, will allow us to purchase two more laptops, covering shipping and credit card fees!

THANK YOU!!! Asante sana!  We will keep you posted and share photos of the recipients soon!

Click here to watch our Digital Lyricists perform!

Also, we have video and photos to share with you! :)))

When Message Media Ed graduates Digital Elders, they produce videos like these

http://messagemediaed.blogspot.com/2011/03/digital-elder-grads-produce-video.html

When Message Media Ed conducts most workshops, we have discussions like these

http://messagemediaed.blogspot.com/2011/03/message-media-ed-presents-real-talk.html

If you missed Sankofa Digi-Family Day, photos are uploaded in the 'About' section of http://MessageMediaEd.org

Lastly, please share our two leadership trainings with your associates, family and friends, and join us for a unique, culturally conscious, media-rich, learning experience, designed to realize the vision, brilliance and leadership capacity within African American youth :) ...

Saturday, March 26th: Message Media Ed presents, Diversity Leaders Boot Camp @ Village Health Foundation! A 4-hour leadership intensive, designed for youth/youth adults, ages 13-25, and their parents/guardians/mentors, to enhance youth/adult communication; identify youth challenges & strengthen youth support systems; clarify career goals and leadership roles as young African Americans; practice critical tools for analyzing negative media stereotypes that strongly impact self-images and self-esteem! Youth produce video podcasts sharing their vision for their community! Registration deadline: Wednesday, March 23rd. Click here for boot camp details and to register today!

Mon-Sat., April 18th-23rd: Message Media Ed presents, Diversity Leaders 6-day Spring Retreat @ Village Health Foundation! Designed for youth/young adults, ages 13-25, this leadership retreat sets the standard for all spring break experiences. Participants will graduate having enhanced their skill-sets in computer operation, internet research, resume writing, public speaking, critical thinking, peer mentoring, journaling, and self-reflection! All youth produce an online portfolio (blog), a professional representation of their talent, voice and passions, useful for college and job applications! Registration is now open, participation is limited to 20, and first come first serve. Registration deadline is Friday, April 8th, but we may reach capacity before then. Click here for retreat details and to register today!

I've also attached the registration packets for these critical leadership trainings as well.

In service,

Shani

Digital Elder Grads Produce Video Podcasts for the African American Community!

After completing a two-day professional development retreat (receiving training in email, texting, facebook & more), within an African centered framework, newly skilled Digital Elders work together to express their voice to the cyber world of the Digital Age! For more information on The Digital Elder Project - 2-day Empowerment Retreat (a traveling professional development workshop from Message Media Ed), please visit http://MessageMediaEd.org/ or call 323-708-2526. Pamoja!

DIGITAL ELDER MEDIA MESSAGE: BALANCE

feat. Caren C., Anita P. & Clint R.

DIGITAL ELDER MEDIA MESSAGE: BRIDGING THE GENERATIONS

feat. Miriam C., Margart G., Kristin P. & George V.

Message Media Ed presents... REAL TALK

Scholars call it critical discourse, the youth of today call it Real Talk. This video highlights recent discussions and media messages produced during, The Digital Elder Project, Diversity Leaders, and Sankofa Digi-Family Day. Message Media Ed is an African/African American Centered organization, dedicated to closing the digital divide and increasing innovation and leadership in the Black community. Our mission is to produce Black leadership for the Digital Age: Culturally Conscious Role Models and Meaningful Participants in the Digital Landscape. In order for our mission to be realized, we engage in REAL TALK, to heal, teach each other, and identify essential issues that need to be addressed and transformed, both digitally and in the real world, as a skilled, united community. For more info and a complete calendar of our upcoming workshops and events, please visit http://MessageMediaEd.org/ - Join us!

On-the-Go Media Message from Shani

A brief greeting and update from Executive Director of Message Media Ed, Shani Byard-Ngunjiri. As mentioned, please visit http://MessageMediaEd.orgfor more info on our upcoming events, Diversity Leaders Boot Camp on Saturday, March 26th & Diversity Leaders 6-day Spring Retreat, April 18-23rd, during spring break. PLEASE WATCH our most recent video, "Message Media Ed presents... REAL TALK", right here on YouTube!

You can also access the Message Media Ed facebook group & the Black Family Love Movement facebook fan page, via the website as well. Lastly, stay tuned for new video podcasts from our most recent Digital Elder graduates!

... and the WINNERS ARE...!!!

Message Media Ed presents Digital Lyricist Black History Month Contest 2011, highlighting young visionaries from South Los Angeles. Out of 12 applicants, 4 finalists were chosen to work with Founding Board Member of Message Media Ed, Brother J of X Clan, to prepare for their final performance at Sankofa Digi-Family Day, February 27, 2011 @ Earlez Grille in Los Angeles. 2 Winners were chosen to receive a laptop and scholarship to Message Media Ed's Diversity Leaders 6-Day Spring Retreat in April! For more information on Message Media Ed's mission and programs, please visit http://MessageMediaEd.org/, call 323-708-2526 or email info@messagemediaed.org

Digital Lyricist Contest WINNER: Krys Bragg, age 18

Digital Lyricist Contest WINNER: Kyli Cole, age 13

Digital Lyricist Contest FINALIST: Demontae Thompson, age 18

Digital Lyricist Contest FINALIST: Montel Givens, age 13

Bittersweet news...

Greetings Family!

Your response and enthusiasm for our Digital Lyricist Finalists and Sankofa Digi-Family Day, Sunday, February 27th @ Earlez Grille, is truly humbling! We are filled to capacity and cannot accept any more RSVP's at this time. Our guest list for Sankofa Family Day is now closed. :( :) :/

However... those of you who did not make our RSVP deadline, don't worry because we have other upcoming events to share with you!

Upcoming Events from Message Media Ed:

Saturday, February 26th: I am a presenter at LA Media Reform Summit @ Occidental College! Please attend my workshop,"Media Literacy for Social Justice: Producing Black Leadership for the Digital Age", 3:30-4:40pm, and learn about our researched-based, cutting-edge, hybrid formula for empowering youth, adults and seniors of African descent to utilize human, cultural, and technological resources for innovation and community advancement. Click here for summit details and registrationand I look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, March 12th & 13th: Message Media Ed presents, The Digital Elder Project - 2-day Empowerment Retreat @ LA Urban League West Adams/Baldwin Hills WorkSource Center! Enhance your Texting, Email, Facebook, Podcasting Skills, and more!  Increase your awareness of African American social, economic and educational accomplishments and challenges! Enhance youth/adult communication! **Special guest speaker: Robin M. Caldwell, Huffington Post Technology Blogger & Executive Editor of Black Web 2.0! Produce video podcasts! Registration deadline: Friday, March 4th. Click here for retreat details and to register today!

Saturday, March 26th: Message Media Ed presents, Diversity Leaders Boot Camp @ Village Health Foundation! A 4-hour leadership intensive, designed for youth/youth adults, ages 13-25, and their parents/guardians/mentors, to enhance youth/adult communication; identify youth challenges & strengthen youth support systems; clarify career goals and leadership roles as young African Americans; practice critical tools for analyzing negative media stereotypes that strongly impact self-images and self-esteem! Youth produce video podcasts sharing their vision for their community! Registration deadline: Wednesday, March 23rd. Click here for boot camp details and to register today!

Mon-Sat., April 18th-23rd: Message Media Ed presents, Diversity Leaders 6-day Spring Retreat @ Village Health Foundation! Designed for youth/young adults, ages 13-25, this leadership retreat sets the standard for all spring break experiences. Participants will graduate having enhanced their skill-sets in computer operation, internet research, resume writing, public speaking, critical thinking, peer mentoring, journaling, and self-reflection! All youth produce an online portfolio (blog), a professional representation of their talent, voice and passions, useful for college and job applications! Registration is now open, participation is limited to 20, and first come first serve. Registration deadline is Friday, April 8th, but we may reach capacity before then. Click here for retreat details and to register today!

=======

Can't make any of our events, but you still want to support our mission of closing the digital divide and increasing innovation and leadership in the African American community? We got you covered! :)

Please support our Black History Month Fundraiser... Buy professional and supporting our mission! Only $20 for our unique Mini-Executive Notebooks! Click here to check them out and to purchase today!

Lol! Is that enough for you? Thank you for taking the time to read our news. We appreciate you :). Don't sleep family... join us!

In service,

Shani

Drum Roll please... Announcing our Digital Lyricist Contest Finalists!!!

Congratulations to all of our applicants! This was a hard decision because all of the submissions were excellent...

Announcing the Digital Lyricist Contest Finalists:

Demontae Thompson, age 18 (Cal State Northridge)
"I dose off with one thing on my mind/the reconstruction of South LA/ I envisioned a more dynamic place/Where tear drops on a gangster's face are not from killing someone/But from mentoring those who can uplift his race."

Krys Bragg, age 18 (Mount San Antonio College)
"I wish that dreams could filter their way back into the acoustic screams that haunt us/Plant reasons to live again/Reincarnating a city that was made for greatness/But killed prematurely/Because dreams aren't so conscious"

Kylie Cole, age 13 (Accelerated School)
"They toss me the 'N' word/I clench it in my hand/Because nothing can compare to being a slave for the white man/We broke the chains and became free/One of the greatest achievements in Black history"

Montel Givens, age 13 (F.A.M.L.I. After-School Program @ Audubon Middle School)
"If speaking the truth will get you shot in the head/ I guess I better shush up because no one will hear me if I'm dead. Of course I'm talking about King. Even beyond the grave, I bet he still believes."

All applicants are invited to attend the final performance, Sankofa Digi-Family Day on Sunday, February 27th, 3-6pm at Earlez Grille, and will receive a special gift from us! 

Finalists will perform on that day and we will select 2 winners! Both winners will receive a laptop and a scholarship to our Diversity Leaders 6-day Spring Retreat in April! 

We are so proud and excited to celebrate with everyone! 
Join us on the 27th for Sankofa Digi-Family Day! http://sankofa22711.eventbrite.com/

SANKOFA Digi-Family Day - Message Media Ed's Mission Comes Alive!

FREE FOOD! FREE ADMISSION! FUN YOUTH/ADULT ACTIVITIES! 

CASH PRIZES!

SANKOFA DIGI-FAMILY DAY!

Special guest performance by Brother J of X Clan! 

Youth performances by the Digital Lyricist Contest Finalists! 

It get's no betta' :) 

Oh wait... it does because you will be joining the Message Media Ed family to experience the goodness... Priceless!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 3-6PM @ EARLEZ GRILLE

Please read all PROGRAM DETAILS and RSVP here 

http://sankofa22711.eventbrite.com/

BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH!