06/15/2022
This past year, New Lens activated our young talent and alumni networks in new and meaningful ways. We produced works ranging from a logo redesign for a youth STEM program, the LEAH Project, with Chelsea Monaé and The BMORE Brand, to two more semesters of Education Justice Podcast Project with Towson University and TNP Studios, to training videos exploring how psychotherapists navigate their own healing with Howard HealthEd, and collabing with Carpe Da CameraMan and Hasdai Westbrook on a mini-doc advancing behavioral health resources in rural communities with Maryland Rural Health Association, and highlighting the efforts of ten Black-led grassroots organizations with B'more Invested.
Our journey started with the vision of young people at Kids on the Hill who saw things differently. After over twelve years of service and growth as a Fusion Partnerships, Inc. partner, our program is sunsetting as our team moves on to new opportunities. A FB post cannot do justice to the gratitude and awe we have for our village and what's possible when we create together, so here is what young people we worked with this year had to say about what they are taking away:
"I learned that there truly is space for my voice. When I feel unsure or inexperienced compared to other people in certain spaces, I've learned that's okay, and in many cases I have more to say and offer that I expected."
"THE PEOPLE. I really appreciate the feedback of others and the encouragement was amazing. It really kept me going, especially the times when I thought I was going to give it all up and call it quits...I want to really go into my community and continue seeking people's experiences and learning more about the world."
"I will take away the importance of love, communication, and perseverance. I feel more confident stepping into the unknown now. Thank you for this opportunity!"
Love and light,
New Lens
