Students affected by gun violence are bringing their stories to life through film. In prisons, murals are painted as acts of community service. Across cities and neighborhoods, art continues to shape how we view the world—and how we change it. But how does a painting or poem spark the change we want to see in the world?
The World Economic Forum describes today’s growing disconnect from real-world problems as a feeling of distance, even when our small acts could help. Art bridges this divide. As artist Olafur Eliasson states, engaging with art “can connect you...to your senses, body and mind.” That connection can move people from awareness to action.
Shemeka Sawyer, a community activist in Germantown, understands this connection well. Sawyer, after losing her brother to gun violence, has turned to filmmaking as a way to grieve, remember, and cope. She refers to using art for change as “a megaphone, an opportunity to amplify your thoughts and feelings to the world.
As the founder and executive director of 5Shorts Project, a Philadelphia-based film initiative, Sawyer leads empowers filmmakers to use storytelling for transforming communities. One of her key projects, the Bout Mine I Matter Internship–named after her late brother’s clothing line—teaches high school students to perform and direct in 10-12 minute documentaries about gun violence through their own perspectives.
Image Courtesy of Shemeka Sawyer | Bout Mine I Matter interns at work
Sawyer stresses that the goal of the program is not only to teach young filmmakers, but to also take their advice: “We’ll show you the ropes and show you how to get things together, but we also want your input…because I want young people to understand that they are important.” By giving youth the tools to tell their own stories, Sawyer builds space for empathy, agency, and change.
Art continues to be the glue that inspires people to take initiative. For this reason, Sawyer reminds young artists: “Never take failure as a determinant of your value.”
Read More
GO BIRDS: The Eagles Impact on Philadelphia
By Natalie Spina | Mar. 7Loud. Reckless. Annoying. Out of pocket. This is the reputation Eagles fans have garnered over time, with fans of other football teams feeling as if Philadelphians just go too far. Police officers have to grease polls in hopes of stopping drunkards in kelly green from climbing them, trash litters the street after Broad Street celebrations, and if you don’t reciprocate their chant of “GO BIRDS,” you might find yourself faced with an angry confrontation.
Tune In, Vote out: How Presidential Debates Shape Elections
By Nora Garg | Dec. 26From the stage to the polls, presidential debates have been crucial to U.S. elections since 1960. The 2024 Presidential Debate between democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and republican candidate Former President Donald J. Trump took place on September 10th at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA, and was hosted by ABC News. The media spin room took place at The Convention Center shortly after the debate.