Vlogging in the "Boogie Down"
There's a project that's been going on for awhile that I've been meaning to talk about. It's called BX21, and was started by videoblogger, Jonny Goldstein, in the Bronx, NY back in January. The unique program, short for "Bronx 21st Century," teaches inner-city high school kids how to videoblog. According to Jonny, "in the 21st Century, everyone in the Bronx will be able to make their own TV shows and put them on the web. In the 21st Century, youth in the Bronx are taking the lead in the personal media revolution, creating videos and soundscapes and, soon, posting them online."
An initiative of the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO), and Vision Education and Media, of which Jonny is affiliated, BX21 is doing its part to close the digital divide by bringing technology directly to those that most need it. The students, close to 150 of them, from Evander Childs High School and Morris High School, have learned how to create, edit and upload digital videos to a group blog.
Before joining the program, many students had never used a video camera, and don't have computers at home. The cameras and computers, provided by the program, have been used to produce a variety of short films ranging from horror to hip-hop, as well as video game reviews and commentary, all of which can be seen on the BX21 videoblog.
Participants in BX21 receive a stipend for good attendance, up to $200 for the entire year, which they're encouraged to invest in a camera or computer. Funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, BX21 has given these kids new visions for their futures. Videoblogging has empowered and encouraged them to want to stay in school and live their dreams. I definitely can't argue with that.
Comments
Hey Melenie,
Thanks for the writeup! I love these kids. They inspire me with their creativity, intelligence, and humor.
Posted by: Jonny Goldstein | May 11, 2006 11:15 AM
Absolutely my pleasure to plug your project, Jonny. This is just the kind of thing we need more of. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Melanie | May 11, 2006 11:59 PM
I wish we had a John out here in Sausalito to jumpstart aa similar effort in the Sausalito - Marin City School District.
Methinks the students could teach the teachers, their parents and other adults..... get to have theri vlogging adventure - plus make some money, and experience all those character-building skills that happens when one gains mastery with something that is innately self-expressive and requires tech skills...maybe the school districts could partner with a vlog non-profit to spread this program? Kare, author, SmartPartnering
Posted by: Kare Anderson | May 17, 2006 01:16 PM