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