Danielle Ricks Productions

05/22/2025

Our NexGen YouthTalks Episode 10, “A Talk with Montgomery County MD, League of Women’s Voters” podcast, won an Hometown Media Award in the Underserved Voices Student category.

High FIVE to everyone involved — from our talented NexGen member producer and host, A.J. Moncada, to the inspiring guests from the Ralph Watkins, Mhambi Musonda, and Sofia Antolioni — and, of course, to the staff who support and guide our youth storytellers behind the scenes.

Check out the full episode on Spotify or YouTube!

05/06/2025

From 👉🏽 The National Endowment for the Arts is facing devastating cuts - cancelled grants and a 50% staff reduction that threatens our nation’s creative infrastructure.

This isn’t just about funding. It’s about:
•Creative expression
•Local economies
•Stories that shape us

Their Call-To-Action:
• Appeal the cuts
• Contact your representatives
• Share your arts story
• Join their Emergency Webinar (May 7)
• Complete their Impact Survey

Your voice matters. The arts are essential, not optional.

04/19/2025

Ryan Coogler might actually be a cinematic genius. The way is shot is absolutely stunning. Every frame feels intentional, beautiful, and haunting. But it’s not just about how it looks… it’s what it says. This isn’t just a gory thriller, it’s a layered, unflinching look at the Black experience in America. It tackles racism, cultural appropriation, and the vultures who profit off our pain and creativity and shines a mirror on it.
And ? He disappears into this role. His performance is raw, nuanced, and unforgettable. This film isn’t just for watching. It’s for thinking. It’s for feeling. It’s for us. GO SEE IT!!!

04/02/2025

Today on the Senate floor, Senator broke the record of a racist, segregationist who once stood in opposition to the Civil Rights Act.

As an educator and media professional, I know how important it is to share these moments, and to ensure future generations understand the power of leadership and persistence.

Thank you, , for your and unwavering
commitment to justice. Now, please rest. You deserve it!

03/18/2025

📢 Introducing the 2025 Montgomery Community Media Digital Futures Institute
Fellowship!

Are you a passionate storyteller who identifies as LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color? Do you want to make an impact through digital media while amplifying the voices and stories of your own community? The MCM Digital Futures Institute Fellowship is looking for 12 talented individuals to join our next cohort!

What is the Fellowship?
This 12-week immersive program, running from June to September, is designed to equip emerging media makers with the skills, tools, and platform to tell powerful, hyper-local Montgomery County stories. Fellows will work in small groups of three to craft impactful narratives that foster more profound understanding and connection.

What's in it for You?
* Comprehensive Training & Hands-On Experience - A high-value program worth around $8,200 per participant
* A $1,000 Stipend - Because your time and talent deserve to be recognized
* A Community of Like-Minded Creatives - Connect with fellow changemaker
* A Platform to Share Your Stories - Gain visibility and contribute to meaningful media

Why Apply? Representation in media matters (no matter what MSM tries to tell us!)
This fellowship is an opportunity to enhance your skills in digital storytelling and ensure diverse voices are heard and celebrated. Your stories shape perspectives, inspire change, and strengthen communities.

Spread the word!! And if know anyone who is interesting atwd, have them apply here:

https://www.mymcmedia.org/bipoc-lgbtqa-digital-storytelling-fellowship/bipoc-lgbtqia-fellowship-position/

The BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Digital Storytelling Fellowship integrates racial equity and social justice into digital storytelling and media production. This multi-week program, based in MCM’s Silver Spring Media Lab, empowers… Read More

03/18/2025

Introducing the 2025 MCM Digital Futures Institute Fellowship! Are you a passionate storyteller who identifies as LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color? Do you want to make an impact through digital media while amplifying the voices and stories of your own community? The MCM Digital Futures Institute Fellowship is looking for 12 talented individuals to join our next cohort!

What is the Fellowship?

This 12-week immersive program, running from June to September, is designed to equip emerging media makers with the skills, tools, and platform to tell powerful, hyper-local Montgomery County stories. Fellows will work in small groups of three to craft imnartful narrativee that foster deeper understanding and connection.

What’s in it for You?
•Comprehensive Training & Hands-On Experience - A high-value program worth around $8,200 per participant
•A $1,000 Stipend - Because your time and talent deserve to be recognized
•A Community of Like-Minded Creatives - Connect with fellow changemaker
•A Platform to Share Your Stories - Gain visibility and contribute to meaningful media

Why Apply?
Representation in media matters (no matter what MSM tries to tell us!)
This fellowship is an opportunity to not only enhance your skills in digital storytelling but also to ensure diverse voices are heard and celebrated. Your stories shape perspectives, inspire change, and strengthen communities.

Apply here: https://www.mymcmedia.org/bipoc-lgbtqa-digital-storytelling-fellowship/bipoc-lgbtqia-fellowship-position/

03/16/2025

Representation matters.

03/16/2025

Howard University is helping to bridge the gap between students and lack of access to hands-on experiences with robotics and AI technologies 🤖

On March 17, 500 pre-college and collegiate students will gain firsthand exposure to drones, Vex Robotics, Amazon Astro home monitoring robots, and Howard University “Mecca Bots” autonomous robots.

This program is sponsored by Amazon Fulfillment Technologies and Robotics (FTR), the Howard University Robotics Organization (HURO), and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Register with the link below for a day of learning, networking, and seeing firsthand how mentoring shapes the future of tech!

📅 March 17, 2025
⏰8am - 4pm
📍Blackburn Center



https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewM9oQZJOAjPVM9Y2EaQc5U8X5SPSTxNbwPtcQH1nSK8B1VA/viewform

03/16/2025

Join me for this intro to AI class.

💻✨ Wondering what’s the big deal about AI? Join us online with MCM’s AI 101 Virtual Workshop to find out how to best use it for content creation with your business or nonprofit! 🤳

Visit the link in bio to register.

02/09/2025

It was a busy few days at the MCM Silver Spring media lab! The week started with an in-studio Sports Talk volunteer member production. It continued with a NexGen student remote shoot, certifying volunteer members to produce their own podcasts to interns working on social designs, editing, and TWO NexGen in-studio productions. The team accomplished a lot!

02/01/2025

I’m so proud to be a and HU Adjunct, for I stand on the shoulders of greatness!

Repost Legacy. Lineage. Leadership.
Howard University IS Black History.

From civil rights icons to cultural changemakers, our alumni have shaped history and continue to push boundaries.

Swipe through to see just a few of the Bison who have left their mark— and those carrying the legacy forward.

02/01/2025

Happy Black History Month!

Repost from -
Despite the war on diversity and the attempts to erase Black history, we refuse to back down or go backward.

All month long (really, all year long), we’re celebrating generations of people who have fought tirelessly for justice, equity, and representation.

Their struggles, triumphs, and unwavering courage have paved the way for a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals but essential pillars of our society.

Yet, we know the work is far from over. The road to justice is not linear, and we stand firm against any efforts to roll back the progress hard-won by those who came before us.