Off/Page

The Off/Page Project combines the groundbreaking storytelling of Youth Speaks with the analytical lens of The Center for Investigative Reporting. Living at the intersection of youth voice and civic engagement, the Off/Page Project provides a multimedia platform for young people to investigate the issues and stories that would otherwise be silenced. An unprecedented collaboration between poets and investigative journalists, the Off/Page Project is a nexus point for poets to report their stories and push the boundaries of 21st century American storytelling. Whether the facts are found in CIR’s reporting or the primary text of Youth Speaks’ poets, the story is yours to tell.

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Say hello to Jeaninne Betu Kayembe. She is the#BNV15 Associate and is the Co-Executive Director ofPhiladelphia Urban Creators. Jeaninne has been laying the groundwork year round for this year's Festival including Life Is Living in Atlanta as well as LIL presents #Hoodstock in Philly (July 25th 10am - 7pm). She is fueled by her love of justice, food equity for all and rooted deeply in a daily commitment to community.

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Meet Shannon Matesky. She is the #BNV15 Festival Director. A Bay Area native, BNV alum, Youth Speaks staff member, golden to purple curl rockin' warrior, playwright, poet and activist, Shannon makes for a fierce and committed leader who is dedicated to keeping the #BNV culture alive and growing the network. We are beyond lucky to have her on the front lines of driving this movement forward. For the next month, we will be highlighting the people behind-the-scenes who make #BNV possible. Stay turned & stay connected.

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Queeriosity at Brave New Voices. 

DC Slam Team 

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Catch a free screening of Broken City Poets at the @Alliedmedia Conference. 

June 18, 2015

4:00pm

Wayne State Community Arts Auditorium i

Detroit, Michigan

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our #HRDCVR #HRDlist is back this week full of the latest links around the web! check it! ⚡️

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Eyes on Oakland: Writing Workshop About Surveillance.

June 9, 2016 

6pm-9pm 

1714 Broadway

Oakland, Ca 

RSVP HERE

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Everyday the news cycle churns out story after story that build on a false interpretation of America. They use facts from on the present without following their direct line to the past. Every time a story is told without context it adds to the growing chorus of misunderstanding.

Al Letson

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I think being an artist, you are in the business of telling it like it is. You create of the world you live in, unapologetically. What that means is you aren't catering to an eye or group or specific niche so much as your own truth as you see fit.

Aja Monet 

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Are you a Bay Area youth (13-19 years old) looking to join a community of artists, poets and leaders that will change the world? Well, look no further! We are officially accepting applications for SPOKES – our Youth Advisory Board and paid internship program. Each year, we invite up to 16 remarkable young people to be part of SPOKES.

Not only are SPOKES members the public face of Youth Speaks, but they receive artistic and professional development that prepare them to be leaders in their school, community and the world at large. From producing bi-monthly Under-21 Open Mics to holding peer-to-peer safe space at festivals like Life is Living, SPOKES members will have unforgettable experiences that impact their lives forever. 2015-2016 Applications are now open!

Deadline to submit an application is Sunday, May 31

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Too many teachers too burdened to hear us 

Leave us neglected 

Rejected 

Like some of y’all fear us

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Read more here. 

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"The Drop In" chronicles the challenges and tribulations faced by Walter Finnie Jr. as he dispels a life of crime and economic hardship growing up in Watts, California in pursuit of a high school diploma. 

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July 18, 2015 - Atlanta 

July 25, 2015 - Philadelphia 

October 10, 2015 - Oakland