This summer, students from the Jackson Center’s Fusion Youth Radio program and Beat-Making Lab artists spent five days in Detroit for the Groundswell Oral History Conference and the Allied Media Conference. Students had the opportunity to network with other artists, learn about audio production and other forms of media journalism, and explore a new city.
According to Brentton Harrison, one of the Fusion Youth Radio Mentors, the best part of the Summer Audio Immersion trip was watching the youth bond, and learn so much from one another. Although students were packed rather snuggly into the van, the ride to Detroit was one of the highlights of the trip. Friendship was not optional after spending hours in the car together!
Students produced audio pieces about their experiences- covering issues such as feminism and hip-hop, the development of hip-hop, and religion and Muslim traditions. One student in particular was affected by a workshop on radical storytelling, which is the act of sharing stories that are often suppressed. He later produced a powerful piece about his own life story.
The final audio pieces were played at a Jackson Center listening party and cookout (photo below). Over fifty neighbors, family members, and friends attended the party to hear the incredible work of the youth summer participants.
The Jackson Center is excited to begin its fourth season of FYR next month and to reignite the Summer Audio Program this year, renewing partnerships with the Beat-Making Lab and Sacrificial Poets.
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