youth voices

by Lawrence Blackwell Meet our youth where they are.  This has become the guiding mantra for many of the community partners, schools, and programs I work with in Memphis.  It is a core principle from which we grow our programs at Hattiloo Theatre.   But what does meeting them where they are  mean?  Where are we […]

by Brittney Boyd Bullock I recently attended the National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference, where I met incredible people working in the field of healing and trauma-related spaces. Now, when I walk into a room I always assess the environment and most times I’m looking for the seat where I want my energy to […]

by Allyson S. The Memphis Music Initiative has really lived up to the objective of planting seeds and fruitful information into the hearts and minds of teenagers of color in a safe environment. We have become a community of strong leaders, better artists, and creative individuals. Our thinking has widened its horizons because of the […]

 by Anasa Troutman Last summer, I made public a dream that I had held close to my heart for over 10 years. In a vintage theater on Martha’s Vineyard with no air conditioning, in front of a modest audience of 100 people, I shared my vision of building Shelectricity, a space where black and brown […]

by Aliciah D. My first trip out the country can be considered one of the most noteworthy chapters of my life. The country the I got to explore was none other than Ireland, a place known for particular beverages and plants with four petals.  I have traveled out of the country of my origin to […]

by Tawanna Brown It was a stormy Saturday morning in April, but the rains did little to deter the more than 100 middle school girls, parents and girl allies who showed up for Shelectricity’s Memphis Listening Party.  It was a festive affair that included girl-power music, from Alecia Keys to Aretha Franklin, spun by DJ […]

by Dana Wilson When I sit down with members of the Memphis community and discuss the great work our Bridge Builders youth are doing, I always get the same question: “How do you find so many confident, smart and thoughtful young people?” My answer is always the same: “They’re everywhere.” Memphis has a huge youth […]

I have attended schools with many students who each year had the opportunity to travel overseas, whether to visit family and friends, or their families were just going on a vacation. I have always wished that I could visit other places and countries. Now with an opportunity with MMI Works I will finally get the chance to […]

This fall, with funding support from MMI, Memphis Slim House programming and marketing director and Music Engagement Teaching Fellow Tonya Dyson launched an internship program around the production of the Soulsville USA Festival. This month we asked two of the interns to write about their experience planning and executing a large community festival over the […]

My time with the Levitt Shell was an influential and also very educational experience for me. From the moment I was selected to participate in the apprenticeship, I knew that I was going to gain a lot of knowledge from working there for the summer. I have always loved watching the concerts, so being able […]