Meet The Game Changers Class of 2011
The inaugural class of the Game Changers Project (launched in 2010-11) were a very distinct group made up of fathers, husbands, college students, activists, social workers, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, etc. But they all had one thing in common: a strong desire to tell asset-based stories about black men and boys. Some were highly skilled media-makers and budding filmmakers while others were purely citizen journalists. They all were passionate about “changing the game” in their communities. Their early contribution to this project will always be treasured.
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George Boling
My name is George Boling, born and raised in the city of Chicago. I am 28 years old and hold a Bachelors’ in Business Management and a MBA, specializing in Marketing. I started my career working in sales and marketing, mostly in the sports and entertainment sector. My first media project was creating highlight films for high school athletes. My passion for working with the youth continued to grow.
The Mind Liberator: Dr. Haki Madhubuti
Young Fathers Program
Can A Brother Get Some Healthcare?
100 Black Men Educating The Youth -
Knowledge Is Born
Peace, many have accused me of being a man of many hats. I have never been one to limit my birthright of creativity. Since I can remember storytelling has been apart of the way we communicate her in New Orleans. In my earlier years I began to gravitate toward music and the vibrations I would hear blasting from the street corners, block parties, and Second Lines (Jazz Funerals or celebrations) that would happen somewhere in the city at least three times a week. While in school I would harness my skills as a MC, storyteller (music and video) and poet. At 21 years old, I am the bandleader of Souls of Freedom, a music and arts-based organization. I am also a storyteller and spoken word artist. I believe its not the media’s responsibility to portray Black men. It is our responsibility.
Fatherhood-N-The Hood
See this fellow’s films -
Dominique Dacruz
At 24 years old, with a graduation from Howard University quickly approaching, I am activity cultivating my career ambition as a Media Financier. The media projects I invest time and capital into are socially conscious and they reinforce positive realities of black men in a multitude of ways. My philanthropic goal is to create an environment where young boys and girls can be taught about the power of the media.
Know Your Rights: Constitutional Literacy
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Ali Elmekki
My name is Ali Elmekki, and I’m “changing the game” through education. I come from a family of educated and dedicated people who are involved in making a difference in society. That’s why when I was only 17, I decided to leave our traditional high schools and take the initiative to join an accelerated academic program called Gateway to College. I am also a student at Scribe Video Center, a nationally recognized, community based, arts and cultural institution.
The Man Who Helped Air Jordan Take Flight
Boys to Men: Scouts Program Could Lower Crime Rate -
Bryan Green
My name is Bryan Green and I’m a Philadelphia-area independent filmmaker, freelance videographer, editor, writer, musician and teaching artist. Born and raised in Suitland, Maryland [just outside of Washington DC] I come from a family of industrious artists and trailblazers. I received my first accolade for film and social commentary in the 10th grade when my experimental short “Helter Skelter” [about the 2001 World Trade Center disaster] earned me a scholarship in my home state of Maryland. I’ve since gone on to win awards and recognition in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles and have even been screened internationally in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Something In The Way Of Things
What Does it Take?
More Than A Musician -
Pendarvis Harshaw
My name is Pendarvis Harshaw and I’m a man. Oakland, California served as the setting to my coming of age story. After years of mindless media consumption, I became media literate at the age of 16; that’s when I began to take classes at Youth Radio, a non-profit program that provides media training and offers youth the chance to produce radio commentary. Since that time, I have produced media assets that have appeared on a number of major outlets and publications. My stories are about coming of age, critical views on society, and pop- culture. Much of my personal story is of this subject matter as well.
The Nation’s Only School District To Prioritize Black Male Education
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Tesfaye Negussie
My name is Tesfaye Negussie. I am 27 years old and was raised in Wheaton, Maryland. As the son of political refugees from Ethiopia, I have strong ties to the Ethiopian and African communities, as well as the African-American community. I recently graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I think a game changer is someone who has overcome many odds in order to do positive things for him/herself, his/her family and his/her community. More importantly, they do it by following their own path and not following what people expect of them.
Byron Hurt: Thinking Outside The Lens
New Africans
How To Silence The Violence
Malik Yoba’s Role of a Lifetime
Divino DeNegro: Divinity of Blackness
Young Filmmaker Takes on Teen Dating Violence -
Brandan ‘Bmike’ Odums
Brandan “Bmike” Odums, 25, a graduate of New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) is the founder and director of 2-Cent Entertainment LLC, a mentor, award-winning filmmaker, artist and innovator. His work is built on the idea of change and using visual art forms to do so. Brandan is a community leader and channels his energy to uplifting the perception of the younger generation.
Black, Male, and Muslim in America
Controversial Politician Offers Life Lessons On Stage
Rap and Literacy -
Michael Scott
My name is Michael Scott and I’m 38 years old. I was born and raised in the city of Chicago. For the past 10 years I was employed in the field of Special Education. Four of those years I worked with abused and neglected youth who were deemed as wards of the state. I am currently employed as an assistant teacher with the Special Education program for Chicago Public Schools. I’m currently filming my first film project, ‘1 Way Out- The Hood, The Grind, The Struggle.’ ‘1 Way Out’ probes the lives of individuals who suffer from mental and psychic trauma brought on by violent crimes/acts.
How Violent Crimes Create Violent Minds
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Trevor Wilkins
My name is Trevor Wilkins. I’m 20 years old and I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. I graduated from Whitney Young high school in 2008 and currently, I am a sophomore on a research sabbatical from Princeton University. My research makes a comparison between the psychological effects of violence on youth in Chicago to the psychological effects that it has on war veterans. Along with my research, I am putting together a documentary on the same issue.
Rhymefest, The Wings To Fatherhood
Keepin’ Brothas In Universities
Chiraq
Other Game Changer Videos
These videos were also produced by the Game Changers Project.
Aerosoul: The Spraycan Arts Movement
We Are Oscar Grant
