YOUTH PROGRAMS
Blocks Together Hip-Hop Academy
Summer 2024 was lead by 25 young people ages 14-18 in our inaugural Blocks Together Hip Hop Academy.
Youth participants were trained in cultural media creation ranging from music and video production, to graphic design, poetry, project management, and more. The summer program culminated in a Hip Hop festival curated by the youth. The lot was cleaned and maintained throughout the summer leading up to the final event, where the youth performed on a stage they built themselves with help from local carpenters and volunteers.
Stop the Violence Studios
In Spring of 2024, we expanded our office space and begin cleaning out what was a formerly abandoned apartment space, in order to transform it into a state of the art, multimedia production and recording space. Youth participants participated in cleanup, design, and multimedia literacy training throughout Summer 2024, utilizing culture and media as a form of safe self-expression and alternative to violence.
State of the Art Multimedia Space
Work continues on building out our space, advancing through volunteer contributions and support. The space is developing as a youth hub, where neighborhood youth gather both formally for skills workshops, and informally for recording and creative exploration.
