FORWARDEVER MEDIA CENTER
Writer Alex
Haley writing The Autobiography of Malcolm X with Brother Malcolm.
"The
media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make
the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power.
Because they control the minds of the masses."
- Malcolm X
Mission
The Forwardever Media Center is 100% committed to providing unconventional writing workshops and media literacy training to "at-risk" Black youth, particularly males, ages 14 through 24. Working in partnership with The Mentoring Center in Oakland, CA., the Center's writing workshops, website internship, and film forums, help students develop critical thinking skills and discover their creative talents. We recruit youth for our programs from the California Youth Authority (the state's largest prison for youth) as well as from universities and high schools. This cross-pollination of young minds creates dynamic shared experiences.
Programs
Whatchusay Cinema–A monthly film forum hosted at schools or community centers in Northern California that explores issues such as race, class, gender, and society. Students are joined by a panel of activists, educators, athletes, entrepreneurs, etc. to rate the films and convene roundtable discussions about corresponding relevant issues in society. For info about film screenings and schedules contact: cheo@whatchusay.com
Writing Workshops–We offer intensive seminars in journalism, creative writing, cultural criticism, new media, film production, etc. These seminars are taught at the center, located at 1224 Preservation Park, Oakland, CA, 94612. They are also available on location, at schools, community and detention centers, churches, etc. For info about class schedules contact: cheo@whatchusay.com
Internships–Whatchusay.com offers competitive internships to young writers who have clearly demonstrated a passion for the craft of writing or media production. The 3-month internship covers news writing and reporting, feature writing, creative writing, media literacy and new media. Working in partnership with community based organizations, universities and international and national media outlets, we produce a pipeline of informed journalists of color who will go on to create their own independent media organizations or work for major media organizations.
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Ledisi- Lost & Found
By Maya J
Ledisi- Lost & Found
Verve Music Group
As her song lyrics go in the performance opening of her third album "Lost & Found," Ledisi has "been here all the time, waiting on you." Far from the single "Alright," this Verve Records debut infuses contemporary jazz, R&B, and soul that satisfies loyal fans and captures new ones.
A step away from the introspective grit of her previous albums, "Soulsinger" and "Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue," this 16 track LP expresses a softer side of Ledisi, but still beams with the same intensity and passion.
Well established in the live show circuit, this amazing Oakland-based singer and dynamic songwriter covers varying aspects of life, and brings the show to her full-length with live instrumentation that beckons the listener in a way that stimulates both ears and emotions.
Ledisi's vocal range and talent is highly apparent as her voice rises and falls with concerted ease and sensitivity on songs like "Think of You" and "In the Morning," and she flexes her vocal sound skills and signature scatting on upbeat cuts like "Upside Down."
A break away from the mellow rhythms and relaxed tempos, the title track "Lost & Found" is a timeless ballad that resonates with depth and emotion where her voice rests effortlessly over accompanied piano and violin.
Rich with poise, talent, and substance, maybe with this album, Ledisi will finally find some much needed and well deserved limelight.
Rating: B
Posted on October 6, 2007 12:51 AM
