Collaborating with Youth Radio, a team of young media artists created a series of radio commentaries and on-line pieces exploring race and identity. While Youth Radio provides consistent media training and outlets for youth voices, the pieces in this series was distinct from its usual programming in their sustained focus on a single theme. Three sub-themes–Juvenile Justice, Immigrant Stories, and Rites of Passage–emerged through the collaboration.
The “Race and Identity” project was led by a core group of seven emerging media artists, each of whom produced several programs, and invited participation by others. The young artists led the creative aspects of the series, choosing the subjects, interview subjects, and background sounds, and scripting the pieces. Youth Radio staff assisted with recording, editing and production. Ultimately, the series featured 57 programs.
Participants were: Jacinda Abcarian, Javier Armas, Tara Baker, Mara Binkov, Jorge Ceja, Katrina Chan, Geovanny Claros, Alexandra Ellman, Porter Griffith, Ocie Henderson, Hong Hoang, Kimi Horstman, Anita Johnson, Sophia Chakos Leiby, Max Lieberman, Dominic Mamaril, Belia Mayeno-Choy, Shaffy Moeel, Noah Nelson, Chris Riggins, Silvia Rivera, Alex Savidge, Tahira Simon, Alexis Smith, Chantal Stepney, Anthony V, Justin Valerio, Augustine Velasquez, Victor Vazquez, Gerald Ward, II, Zanna Watkins-Hughes, Marlene Williams, Megan Williams, Brooke Wilson, and Olivia Wu.
Media artist Marlene Williams developed her reporting and production skills through Youth Radio, beginning with the organization in 1998. In addition to having been a team leader at Youth Radio, she was an active volunteer on behalf of several causes in Oakland, California. Williams received a Youth of Valor Award from the Anti-Defamation League for her radio commentaries.
Founded in 1992, Youth Radio is a community media arts center that trains young people in radio journalism, sound production, and engineering. Its programs are broadcast locally and nationally on public and commercial outlets.