Training the next generation of minority media professionals
Community Contributor | 4-14-2010 | Comments |
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By Sherion JohnsonThe Urban Media Foundation (UMF) uses journalism and media technology education to positively impact inner-city youth ages 14 to 17 years old. The mission of the program is to increase minority representation in mainstream media and to bring awareness to media-related careers. UMF mentors these teens; some categorized as at-risk, and provides a safe learning environment for them to receive training in multimedia communications, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. UMF conducts its education programs in the heart of one of the most underserved areas of Los Angeles.
UMF students have the opportunity to increase their understanding of news journalism, enhance oral presentation and reading skills and improve computer literacy. Participants are encouraged to pursue post-secondary careers and receive assistance with college applications and resumes.
Erdavria Rose Simpson is one of many students putting into practice what they learn at UMF. Refusing to let the lack of journalism classes at high school deter her from aspiring to be a network news anchor, she started the Hami-News Broadcast Club at Alexander Hamilton High School. Erdavria went to the principal, secured a faculty advisor and organized the club. Not only is she the club founder, she is also responsible for its content. She synthesizes the information she learns from UMF classes and shares it to approximately twelve other members of the club.
At an early age, she is making great strides to achieve her career goals in media. She set her sights on attending USC Annenberg’s School for Communication & Journalism and is already amassing an impressive personal profile. She maintains a 3.6 GPA, is a varsity cheerleader, a Flutist in the school band and she recently helped coordinate a Haiti-relief fundraiser. In March, Erdavria placed 5th in National’s 2010 Miss Teen Los Angeles Pageant. Two nights a week she takes a bus to West L.A. College for a speech class to improve her diction, a necessary asset for top-notch news anchors.
“The Urban Media Foundation has helped bring me closer to my dream and I love the program” said Simpson.
As a part of UMF, Erdavria has visited local newsrooms and met many prominent news anchors.
She comes from a single-parent home and a mom that works full-time. She represents one of many students from similar homes benefiting from the program. This year, Erdavria’s 14-year-old sister also became a part of the program.
UMF utilizes an impressive instruction team made up of writers, broadcasters, online journalists and media instructors from the USC Annenberg School, the L.A. Times and Santa Monica City College. Volunteers and lecturers are comprised of college students, news professionals and community leaders.
UMF conducts workshops throughout the calendar year. Classes are also offered on Saturdays.
The Urban Media Foundation is located at 8732 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90247. Call (323) 905-1330 for more information or visit the website at www.urbanmediafoundation.org.
Tags: erdavria rose simpson journalism education sherion johnson south los angeles urban media foundation