Tag: Projects

  • Story: The School-To-Prison Pipeline

    Story: The School-To-Prison Pipeline

    *Update June 5, 2014: Published via The Austin Chronicle. View details.

    Source: state.sc.us
    Source: state.sc.us

    For my master’s report, I will be discussing the school-to-prison pipeline theory in terms of it’s solutions. Most stories and documentaries about this issue tend to take the blame-route, primarily focusing on the types of children who are in trouble and the types of institutions that are to blame. I am currently taking a class about this theory and have read a variety of studies and stories about this issue. From what I have gathered, a lot of programs and legislation has been implemented to address this issue, but has not eliminated it. For instance, according to a Texas Appleseed report, Texas has decreased the population in state secure facilities by 60%, increased funding for community-based programs, and closed a few facilities. From this perspective, it looks like we have made a lot of progress in a short amount of time. In contrast, I visited a juvenile courtroom and detention center a week ago and sadly it was not empty. Observing the cases and touring the facility, I could feel my heart weep for all these youth who do not get a chance to tell their full story and are given an orange suit too quickly. I suspect there is a disconnect between the implemented solutions and the existing issue. To find the answer to this dilemma, I am interviewing individuals who have worked in education, detention facilities, and promising programs to dig deeper in what has been implemented and their take on what still needs to be done. I will also be using data analysis and research from a variety of organizations dedicated to solving this issue. This project will be a long-form article with a creative media component. If you or someone you know have a story to share about this or suggestions for resources, please comment here or contact me.

    Source: pbs.org/tavissmiley
    Source: pbs.org/tavissmiley

     

  • Story: Afropolitan – An Identity, A Movement, or Both

     

    African Princess by Mattahan
    Source: Mattahan
    tumblr_mu327sUZOM1sevsjeo1_500
    Source: needapencil.ch
    afropolitan_va
    Source: afripopmag.org
    BNR_HOME_ENG
    Source: Vlisco
    w430.68de7_4817a2b2c9409bdadcb22f96fc20b5e8
    Source: thisisafrica.me

    I was introduced to the term “afropolitan” while listening to an interview with author Taiye Selasi on NPR. She was discussing her recent book “Ghana Must Go,” and mentioned why she considers herself an “afropolitan,”:

    “What distinguishes [Afropolitans] is a willingness to complicate Africa – namely, to engage with, critique, and celebrate the parts of Africa that mean most to them. Perhaps what most typifies the Afropolitan consciousness is the refusal to oversimplify; the effort to understand what is ailing in Africa alongside the desire to honour what is wonderful, unique. Rather than essentialising the geographical entity, we seek to comprehend the cultural complexity; to honour the intellectual and spiritual legacy; and to sustain our parents’ cultures.”

    Her story and opinions caught my attention and I continued to research this term to see how it was received. It turned out I was a bit late in this discovery – there is a sophisticated magazine in South Africa, an insightful blog in the UK, a number of news articles, and a variety of exhibits and panels highlighting this subject.

    With all of these outlets, the definition for an “afropolitan” seems to be up for self-interpretation depending if the individual lives in Africa or the diaspora. I plan to examine these interpretations and see where this search for identity and community could be taken a step further. At the moment, this project will be a short documentary with a supplementary op-ed piece.

    If you or someone you know identifies with the term “afropolitan” or have an opinion you would like to share, comment here or contact me.