MESSAGE MEDIA ED
School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age
4923 W. Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
90016
Center Hours:
Tues - Fri, 3-8pm
*Unless otherwised noted
Call to schedule an
Orientation today!
323-708-2526
info_messagemediaed.org
Message Media Ed is an education and professional development learning center designed to close the digital divide and advance leadership and innovation in the
African American community of South Los Angeles.
"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 community of growth and transformation." - Shani Byard, Founder/Executive Director
Spring 2010-email.pdf
In-Home Tutoring Flyer-email.pdf
VISION
Our vision to close the digital divide and increase leadership and innovation in the African American community.
We aim 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.
MISSION
Our mission is to develop Black leadership for the Digital Age: culturally conscious role models and meaningful participants in the digital landscape.
We do this by providing supportive, creative learning environments for cultural healing, leadership development,
and skill building in critical multi-media literacy, social media and information technology.
4 COMPONENTS OF BLACK LEADERSHIP IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Cultural Consciousness
Media Literacy
Technological Proficiency
Visionary
EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK (rooted in Afro-Media Literacy Education )
Message Media Ed provides education and professional development workshops designed to increase social, cultural and technical capital in the Black community. The overarching principle guiding our work stems from a contemporary interpretation of the West African concept of Sankofa (as symbolized by the Sankofa bird in our logo): To cultivate knowledge of self and our past, in order to advance in, and diversify our future. Therefore, we recruit predominantly African American participants, whose ancestors were displaced from Africa to America through the transatlantic slave trade, and who have been historically marginalized; socioeconomically disadvantaged; and harshly media stereotyped. We reconnect participants to African/African American principles, language and heritage, and empower them to use cultural and technological resources to counter and thrive in a predominantly Euro-American society and educational system.
Services to the community have been designed to offer informal learning environments to:
1) Deconstruct the ubiquitous influence of media, media messages and media stereotypes,
2) Reconstruct traditional African village mindsets, principles, language, and images, aligning them with authentic African American experiences, contributions, social justice movements and culture, and
3) Construct a contemporary sense of community and leadership, equipped with digital tools essential for advancement, and skilled to support the successful transition of Black youth from schooling to the global workplace in the Digtal Age.
**Our educational framework is inspired by many, including, but not limited to, the works of Carter G. Woodson, Naim Akbar, W.C. Banks, Peter C. Murrell,
Elizabeth Thoman, Hip Hop, my life work, and conscious community members worldwide - Shani Byard, Ed.D.
Message Media Ed
TELEPHONE: + 1 323 708 2526 School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age
E-MAIL: info_messagemediaed.org 4923 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90016
QUESTIONS? SEND US AN EMAIL!
JOIN OUR EMAIL & MAILING LIST BY SENDING US YOUR CONTACT INFO BELOW AS WELL!
HOPSCOTCH ELEMENT
A 10-part, mixed-media, critical thinking and empowerment workshop series, designed specifically for African American high school dropouts and youth at-risk of giving up on their education, ages 14-25. Much like the sidewalk game of HOPSCOTCH - choosing and hurdling over obstacles to complete a path - students draw from and build upon multiple means of communication and creative expression to support the direction of their individual life path. Combining Multi-Media Arts Education, African American Studies & Career Mentoring, participants are empowered with the tools to discover their true potential, self-image and life purpose; taking ownership of choice in innovative, productive and responsible ways. Using the tools of multi-media arts education and project-based learning techniques, participants explore and foster the life and job skills needed to successfully enter and diversify the workforce of the 21st Century. Targeted skill development include: leadership, presentation, problem solving, task completion, critical thinking, collaboration, visioning, and more.
DLX meets 1ST FRIDAYS! < - ADVANCE CREATIVITY™
***new time***
*** Also enroll in the Legacy Talent Search! Call us for more info 323-708-2526
Board of Directors
Shani Byard, Ed.D. Executive Director
Rae Jones, Executive Director
Great Beginnings for Black Babies
President, Raediant Communications
Rev. Emmett G. Price, Ph.D., Chair
African Studies Dept., Northeastern University
Founder, Black Church Music Ministry Project
Jason 'Brother J' Hunter, Founder,
X Clan (Producer, Lyricist)
Michael Smith, MBA, VP of Development,
877 Financial, Inc.
Ivory Rose Chambeshi, Owner/Principal,
Get It Write! & Program Administrator, Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation
Carl Robinson, MHA, Owner
The Brooks Firm
Lead Facilitator: Shani Byard, Ed.D.
Support Facilitators: Jason MPRVS Johnson, Kiera Lewellyn, Joanne Griffith-Poplar, Ayana Cahrr, Kristin Parnell, Sebastien Elkouby
Guest Speakers: Michael Massenburg, Robin M. Caldwell, Mwalimu Kabaila, Jewel Thais-Williams,
David Vedder, Pam Perry, Carmen Dixon Rosenzweig, Sekou Andrews, Denise Michelle Carr, Natalie Gouche', Reggie Pendleton, Tracy Hill, Darin Early, Jade Smith, Miranda Raoof, Adriane Peralta, Shaunelle Curry, Kelley Nicole, Chet Hanley, Clint Rosemond
JANUARY 2012
1st Thursdays - JAN 5: BLOGGERS Meet-Up
6:30-9pm, Facilitator: Theo Fowles , Donations Accepted
Interested in starting a blog? Need critical feedback on improving your current one?
Need an introduction to Blogger, Tumblr, or Wordpress?
JOIN US! RSVP on Facebook or call 323-708-2526
2nd Fridays - JAN 13: ELDER MOMENTS Networking Mixer
for Digital Elder Grads, Friends of DE Grads and Message Media Ed
4-7pm, Wine, Appetizers & Oldies-But-Goodies Provided. Donations Accepted. RSVP to 323-708-2526 or via Facebook
Lecture Series - THURS JAN 19: ReDiscovering the Roots of Jazz in the Digital Age - Part 2
Digital Scholars Book Writing & Publishing Program
for Youth, Adults & Seniors (ages 13 & up) Tues, Jan 24 - April 24, 5-8pm,
$150 (members), $200 (non members) Deadline to Register: Fri Jan 13.
ALL DETAILS HERE
Family Film Night - FRI JAN 27: Hidden Colors
Black Library Development Project
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Rise Above the Noise - Culturally relevant, staff development designed to meet the contemporary needs of educators and parents in a media saturated society, and to improve the learning experiences of African American students.
Rise Above the Noise (for Educators and Parents of African Descent),
Sat. Jan 21, 9:30am-1:30pm
Rise Above the Noise (for Educators & Counselors of European Descent),
Sat. Jan 21, 3-7:30pm
COMPUTER CLASSES!
*ADMISSION BY RSVP ONLY*
323-708-2526 or INFO_MESSAGEMEDIAED.ORG
WED, JAN 18, 10AM-12PM
Basic Computer Operation & Internet Navigation, $10
WED, JAN 25
4-5:30PM: Intro to Social Media, $10
6:30-8:30pm: Intro to Blogging, $10
THURS, JAN 26
4-5:30PM: Facebook Refresher, $10
6:30-8:30PM: Website Design using Wordpress, $20
Click here for details on all
computer classes & tutoring
RISE ABOVE THE NOISE < - ADVANCE THOUGHT™
(for Educators & Parents of African Descent)
Lead Facilitator: Dr. Shani
AN OVERVIEW:
Rise Above the Noise is a culturally relevant, staff development training designed to expose participants to the realities of the African American experience in relationship to media influence and education, with the goal of improving the learning experiences for African American youth. This is an innovative, research-based, cultural awareness training in attaining MENTAL LIBERATION for educators and parents of African descent. It is also a cultural sensitivity training in PEDAGOGY for educators and counselors of European descent. All of our curricula are rooted in the Afro-Media Literacy Educational Framework.
OUTCOMES:
-Exposure to public/private education through an African American lens
-Learn how media influence and media stereotypes can impact an educator's or parent's pedagogy (or approach toward teaching/raising African American students)
-Become aware of white privilege and the role white educators can play in either sustaining injustice or advocating for social justice in the classroom and school environments
-Learn why seeing race and ethnicity is an asset to the learning experience for both teacher/parent and student/child
-Participants will be invited to a follow-up focus group to assess newly acquired cultural understandings and implementation in relative learning or home environments.
---
Dr. Shani is the Founder/Executive Director of Message Media Ed, a native of Leimert Park, Los Angeles, and is an Artist, Educator and Social Justice Advocate. Rise Above the Noise is implemented as part of the teacher training and professional development service component of Message Media Ed.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2012
9:30AM-1:30PM
_Message Media Ed
All types of educators of African descent are welcome! Credentialed and Non-Credentialed educators, faculty and administrators are encouraged to attend. Student teachers/counselors are encouraged to attend as well. K-12 & Higher Ed. Additionally, this training is designed for family members, parents and guardians.
Let's improve the learning experiences for our youth!
Investment: $30, FREE for Members .
Seating is limited. Refreshments provided.
Pre-Registration is required by Wed 1/18/12.
More info? 323-708-2526
Rise Above the Noise
Culturally relevant, staff development designed to, 1) meet the contemporary needs of educators and counselors (K-12 & Higher Ed) in a media saturated society, and 2) to improve the learning experiences for African American youth.
Click the links below for all details.
Interested in scheduling a private training for your school or organization?
Please click the links above to review descriptions first and contact us at 323-708-2526 or info_messagemediaed.org to schedule your private training today!
HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH - 2012!
Redefining Black Power: Reflections on the State of Black America
Thursday, February 2, 2012, 7-9pm _ EsoWon Books, Leimert Park, Los Angeles, Ca
Eso Won Books welcomes editor Joanne Griffith and guests for a discussion about “Race and Education in the Age of Obama” and her new book, Redefining Black Power. Griffith’s guests include Dr. Shani Byard, Executive Director of Message Media Ed., School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age and Chris J. Hickey, Executive Director of Each One, Teach One.
Eso Won Books is located at 4331 Degnan Blvd., in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
For more information, please call 323-290-1048.
Black History Month Training in Racial Justice for Black Role Models
Saturday, February 25, 9:30am-2pm _ Message Media Ed, Los Angeles, Ca
Black History Month Training in Racial Justice for White Role Models
Saturday, February 25, 3-7:30pm _ Message Media Ed, Los Angeles, Ca.
1st Thursdays: Bloggers Meet-up! February 2, 6:30-9pm
Facilitated by: Theo Fowles
2nd Fridays: Elder Moments! February 10, 4-7pm
A Monthly Networking mixer. Wine, nibbles and oldies-but-goodies.
Bring your biz cards, announcements and materials to share. Donations accepted.
Click here for Computer Classes & Tutoring for February 2012
Click here for Communtiy Bridge: Blacks In Technology - The Real Eve - Black Library Development
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.
Learn to enhance communication with your teen! Learn dropout prevention techniques! Identify career goals with your teen! Learn what challenges your teen experiences daily and how to overcome them! Learn how and what influence media advertising has on your teen's self-perspective and ways to change it for the better! Build a support network for your teen! In Los Angeles, 52% of African American youth dropout of high school annually. Let's solidify their support system today! DIVERSITY LEADERS BOOT CAMP 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 video: a statement of their vision for the African American community and the role they will play in achieving that vision.
Shani Byard, Ed.D.
Founder/Executive Director, Message Media Ed
Shani Byard is an artist, educator and social justice advocate. She founded Message Media Ed in January of 2008 as a means of combining 4 years of professional experience in music video/TV production with a total of 10 years administering visual and performing arts education, media literacy education, and program development, management and evaluation, both in and out of K-12 public schools. Shani has utilized the tool of creative arts and expression to lead the design and implementation of intervention, career, mentoring and empowerment programming for youth development entities including: Los Angeles Unified School District, Long Beach Unified School District, LA County Office of Education, LA Bridges Gang Intervention, Theatre of Hearts/Youth First, Conservation Corps of Long Beach and Inside Out Community Arts.
Message Media Ed provides culturally relevant, 21st Century learning and professional development for youth, adults and seniors of African descent (including high school dropouts and youth at risk of giving up on their education), as a means of closing digital, cultural, academic and socioeconomic divides within the Black community, and producing Black leadership for the Digital Age. Offered to the community through Message Media Ed and facilitated by Shani and a team of professionals, The Digital Elder Project, Rise Above the Noise, Diversity Leaders, The Hopscotch Element, and other tailored workshops, provide an African-centered approach to skill building in new media, media analysis, technology education and leadership development.
Shani is a proud native of Leimert Park, Los Angeles and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at her alma mater, Loyola Marymount University. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Television Production in 1996 and a Masters of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership in 2008 from Springfield College.
Back to: ABOUT
Click here for Digital Lyricist XChange!
Digital Lyricist - Black History Month Contest!
Judged by the Legendary, BROTHER J OF X CLAN!
>CONGRATS TO OUR WINNERS & FINALISTS!<
Krys Bragg, age 18 (Mount San Antonio College) - WINNER!
Kylie Cole, age 13 (Accelerated School) - WINNER!
Demontae Thompson, age 18 (Cal State Northridge) - FINALIST!
Montel Givens, age 13 (FAMLI After-School Program) - FINALIST!
All finalists worked one-on-one with Brother J to prepare
for their final performance at ...
Sankofa Digi-Family Day,
Sunday, February 27, 2011, 3-6pm _ Earlez Grille
MEMBERSHIP - $80 for 1st yr ($45 to renew) Ages 13-100
Message Media Ed (MME) Membership Requirements:
All members are required to complete two of our signature workshops, 1) Rise Above the Noise, and 2) Diversity Leaders Boot Camp OR
The Digital Elder Project (depending on your age).
MME Member Benefits include: Workshop registration fees for
Rise Above the Noise AND Diversity Leaders Boot Camp, discounted admission to The Digital Elder Project, 2 FREE tutoring sessions,
FREE access to computer lab during office hours, FREE admission to all lectures hosted by MME, and discounted admission to computer classes and other events and programs.
Call to schedule an Orientation today at 323-708-2526
or email info_messagemediaed.org
Live out of town?
Angel Membership allows you to sponsor a youth, adult or senior in Los Angeles who can take advantage of membership!
Just click the paypal button, write "Angel" in the reference section when paying for membership, and we will identify a local member!
MME Membership Application.doc
Buy Now
Diversity Leaders 6-day Spring Retreat!
(youth & young adults, ages 13-25)
Mon-Sat, April/2-7, 2012 9am-3pm
_ Message Media Ed
(4923 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90016)
Cultural awareness! Visioning! Critical thinking!
Peer Mentoring! Public speaking!
Media Education/Production Techniques!
Computer & Social Media training!
International Guest Speakers! Field Trips!
Build Writing & Research Skills!
Create Online Portfolios Exibiting Your Resume, Voice & Talent!
-- All for only $80/youth/week (payment plans available too!)
Call to rEGISTER today! 323-708-2526(Space is limited!)
Black Women for Wellness , Sports Explorer , Black Womens Network ,
Community Build College Prep Program , Digi Venture , Junipero Serra High School, LA Urban League Milkin Family Literacy & Youth Training Center ,
Vermont/Slauson Economic Development Corporation & LA Business Assistance Program, Key Insights , Conscious Flowz , Hobo International , Jane Hannah Media , Festive Flair Events, Afrispora.com, Luv The Soul , The Brooks Firm ,
S & H Public Relations , Unique74
"Before I became a Digital Elder, I was unaware of the media history as it relates to the African American community, and now I am technologically savvy, gained literacy in media knowledge, and I have a responsibility to myself, my community and our youth"
"FINALLY, a teen leadership workshop especially for African American parents and their teens. We need this. This is an essential component of rites of passage for our youth."
Since I began this program I learned more about myself and who I am as a person and that we all have different jobs to succeed in life together as a unit and that we can teach others that everything doesn't have to be negative."
Before I became a Digital Elder I felt distanced and apart from the text messaging blogging youth, and now that I am a Digital Elder, I at least understand how and why they communicate in this way and Ive learned the terminology which facilitates my communication with them.
"This workshop empowers people to become more than themselves and take responsibility for each other."
"This has the potential of a groundswell movement for reclaiming our youths' potential by connecting with them to motivate and inspire."
Message Media Ed presents...
DIGITAL SCHOLARS
Book Writing and Publishing Program
ADVANCING BLACK LITERACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE!
BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR!
Participants in our Digital Scholars program will write and publish their own autobiography (e-book and in print) that will be distributed via Amazon!
Our Digital Scholars will introduce their personal and professional contribution to humanizing the world, by sharing their current journey, growth & vision for their future
as leaders and change agents. This program will culminate with a book release party!
This is a unique, Afrocentric, college level, literacy program, designed to develop
culturally conscious role models and meaningful participants in the digital landscape.
REGISTER TODAY!
YOUTH - ADULTS - SENIORS
**Ages 13 & UP
Facilitated by: Shani Byard, Ed.D.
SPRING DATES: Tuesdays, 5-8pm _ MME January 31st - April 24th
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRI JAN 13TH
Orientation: Tues. Jan 24th, 7-8pm
Investment:
$150/Spring (members), $200/Spring (non-members)
- Investment includes snacks, field trips, guest
speakers, & materials
Become a Member!
REGISTER TODAY BELOW!
Call 323-708-2526 or email info_messagemediaed.org for more info
Digital Scholars SPRING Release and Registration.pdf
Message Media Ed Monthly Lecture Series presents...
Navigating Predominantly White and Latino
K-12 & Higher Ed Schools
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 6-8:30PM
_Message Media Ed 4923 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016
Investment: $5 (non-members), Free (members), light refreshments served
Call to RSVP 323-708-2526 by Wed. 8/24/11
Featured Guest Panelists:
Miranda Raoof, Principal, John Muir Middle School
Darin Earley, Founder, Bridge Builders Network
Adriane Peralta, Ed.D, Special Education Coord., Green Dot Public Schools
Jade Smith, Asst. Dean of Students, Loyola Marymount University
Moderator: Shani Byard, Ed.D., Founder/Executive Director
* This lecture series is a component of the Message Media Ed Community Bridge Initiative , designed to utilize community, media and higher education resources to engage and empower the African American community of South Los Angeles.
Message Media Ed - School of Black Leadership in the Digital Age is an education and professional development organization.
Our mission is to close the digital divide and increase leadership and innovation in the African American community of South Los Angeles. We do this by providing workshops for youth, adults and seniors, designed to increase cultural awareness while practicing media literacy, and building skills in computer operation, internet navigation, and social media knowledge-sharing.
Become A Member!
Author's Spotlight: Shaunelle Curry's
"Shairi's Journey: Through Darkness Into Light"
A multi-media exploration of healing from domestic violence
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND, 6-8:30PM
