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PITTSBURGH (FinalCall.com) – One Hood Media, established by Jasiri X and Paradise “The Arkitech” Gray, in conjunction with August Wilson Center for African American Culture and a generous donation provided by the Heinz Endowments, began New Media Academy.
New Media Academy is a tool to help Black young men critically analyze media messages, broaden their experience of media, and develop the creative skills needed in creating their own media. All too often the young African American male is either underrepresented or misrepresented in media. The mission is to improve self image, dispel stereotypes, and provide a positive forum of self expression.
The program is offered to young Black men, ages 14-19, and will include, the art of blogging, video production, and social media. Guest speakers will come and talk with the youth about their success in this new media paradigm, including, CEO of Allhiphop.com, Chuck Creekmur, legendary Hip-Hop journalist and radio host, Davey D, award winning director and President of We Shoot First Films, Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed and social media guru, journalist, and recipient of several Black Blog Awards, Jesse Muhammad. Applications for entry are now being accepted. Located at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture the New Media Academy will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and conclude on December 8.
Emcee and community activist Jasiri X is the creative force and artist behind the ground breaking internet news series, This Week with Jasiri X, which has garnered over one million internet views and thousands of subscribers. One of his most recent and most popular videos to date, “What if the Tea Party was Black?”, has resulted in a variety of opportunities showcasing the singular ability of Jasiri X to adequately surmise a situation within a the confines of a verse. Jasiri X continues to travel the world opening minds via multiple speaking engagements and performances.
Paradise “The Arkitech” Gray, founding member of legendary rap group X-Clan and the Blackwatch Movement, is the man behind the camera responsible for framing the images that make the Hip-Hop series so unique. Paradise’s work as a pioneer, photographer, writer and archivist in the Hip-Hop community, is rivaled only by his work as a dedicated activist in the community.
(For more information regarding this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jasiri X or Paradise Gray please call 412-404-2347 or email [email protected].)
