Creating "Black Beauty": Youth Counterstorytelling Through Film to Disrupt the Dominant Narrative

Session Type: Demonstration/Performance

Abstract

We first screen a youth produced film called Black Beauty. Black Beauty follows a group of high school youth of color who set out to uncover how and why our world values lighter complexions over darker ones. Their journey explores the power of the media, family and friends to shape young people’s identities. The film, conceived, written and produced by high school youth, reignites a silenced conversation and movement to celebrate Black Beauty. Following the screening of the film, the youth producers will engage the audience in a presentation and conversation about youth counter-storytelling in film to disrupt dominant media narratives and how film can serve as a tool for critical pedagogy, community organizing, and identity work.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Educators for Social Justice

Chair

• Eric J. DeMeulenaere, Clark University

Presenters

• Sinneh Guzeh, N-CITE Community Media

• Angelique Webster, N-CITE Community Media

• Theola Reets, N-CITE Community Media

• Jadamaseni Mpawenimana, N-CITE Community Media

• Mezziah Tavarez, N-CITE Community Media

Papers

• Creating "Black Beauty": Youth Counterstorytelling Through Film to Disrupt the Dominant Narrative - Sinneh Guzeh, N-CITE Community Media; Jadamaseni Mpawenimana, N-CITE Community Media; Theola Reets, N-CITE Community Media; Mezziah Tavarez, N-CITE Community Media; Eric J. DeMeulenaere, Clark University; Angelique Webster, N-CITE Community Media