It’s day three of the Allied Media Conference here in Detroit, and I am inundated by the amazing media-centric network of artists and activists from all over the country. The mission of this conference is to bring together alternative media makers in an effort to cultivate strategies around social justice issues affecting the oft-neglected voices of our communities. The goal of Allied Media Projects, the group that runs and organizes this conference every year, is to create a participatory media community, which is in alignment with Community Media Workshop’s mission. So naturally, I feel at home.

I have met a radically diverse group of people working on projects that challenge the way we as Americans (or should I say North Americans, as I’m in Detroit, and there are many Canadians here) consume and produce media. So far, many of the panels and presentations have looked at youth media and youth impowerment, as an investment in our future. Yesterday’s keynote was a mashup of sorts, with speakers, dancers, musicians, video presentations and poetry. During part of the AV presentation there was a quote from an Native-American proverb, that really stuck with me, and truly illustrates the underlying vibe of the whole event:

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.

Anyway, I want to give you, dear reader, a glimpse at some of the projects I was fortunate enough to learn about.

The Beehive Collective – located throughout the globe creates anti-copyright images/graphics that speak to issues of globalization. (You must check out their site, as my explanation is not doing them justice) They create the most beautiful illustrations that speak as many volumes as any article, poem or speech could. I got to learn their “mind-mapping” technique, which is how they brainstorm their ideas into pictures by connecting themes and ideas around an issue.

2-Cent Entertainment - out of New Orleans, is a group of young activists/comedians/actors who, by using the concept of “Edutainment” have created a captive audience of young people from the areas of New Orleans most effected by Hurricane Katrina. I had the privilege to watch some of their videos which are almost Dave Chappelle-esque in comedic-style, while tackling serious issues such as the commercialization of the disaster, tourism, and how people are making profits by exploitation of the communities effected, amongst many others. Watch their PSA called “New Orleans for Sale” here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DgbyoBLnln0

The Transborder Project (link to come) – is a project where immigrants crossing the border from Mexico are given cell phones that have been hacked to provide as a compass to help them navigate into America safely and soundly. The project is funded by various government sources as well as Motorola (!) and is perfectly legal, as it is deemed as a science project. Unfortunately their site is down at the moment, but check it here: http://bang.cali2.net/xborder

There is so much more I can tell you – but my computer is being annoying. Hey – it’s my first time blogging, so cut me some slack! Anyhoo – back to the conference!

Peace,

Maude