We’re thrilled to present three short films created by and with young people from Louisville (KY), Memphis (TN), and Honolulu (HI).

Our Fall Accelerating Change Series, produced in partnership with HHN2L: Hip Hop Into Learning, Memphis Music Initiative, Mana Maoli, and The Lewis Prize for Music, beautifully shares the impact of cultural heritage, mentorship, and community activation in the lives of young people.

These videos continue the Accelerating Change Series, first launched in 2021. Experience what Creative Youth Development looks like through the eyes of young people and the caring adults in their lives.

HHN2L: Hip Hop Into Learning

Louisville, KY

In this documentary-style film, HHN2L seniors reflect on their experiences and share how support and community partnership lead to positive change. The film includes music videos led by young people fostering their belief in putting lyrics to action.

HHN2L students have harnessed their voices to drive meaningful change. They advocated for justice for Breonna Taylor and helped pass the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act Ordinance in Louisville with their powerful song, Crown. Their 2024 song, Where My Bus At?, has gained national attention on social media and news outlets, highlighting bus shortages in their community.

Mana Maoli

Honolulu, HI

In this journey of secure passage, a despondent haumana discovers the joy of cultural connection through the Mana Mele Project in the care and community of dedicated Mana Maoli kumu and caring classmates.

Mana Maoli is a collective of educators, artists, musicians, cultural practitioners, community organizers, and families who share a common vision of and action toward community empowerment through their 3 primary purposes: community-based education and awareness, pooling and sharing of resources, sustainability at both the environmental and economic levels, as well as at the self and community level.

Memphis Music Initiative

Memphis, TN

Memphis Music Initiative (MMI) invites you backstage with the next generation of Memphis creatives. Explore the youth programs through the voices of current interns, alumni, and MMI leadership. Discover how MMI builds on Memphis’ Black musical legacy to inspire cultural pride, community investment, and personal agency rooted in liberation through creative expression.

MMI encourages young people to become creatively immersed in their past, critically engaged in the present, and more able to determine their future through the power of music and arts.

In July, we launched the 2024 Accelerating Change Video Series. This new collection of short films created by and with young people from Richmond (CA), Stamford (CT), Detroit (MI), and Crownpoint (NM) - Navajo Nation highlights inspiring stories of strength, resilience, and joy.

Our summer Accelerating Change Series was produced in partnership with RYSE Youth Center, INTEMPO, We Are Culture Creators, The Heartbeat Music Project, and The Lewis Prize for Music.

Heartbeat Music Project

Crownpoint, NM - Navajo Nation

The Heartbeat Music Project (HMP) has become a cherished part of the Navajo community through its unique combination of music education and Diné Cultural Studies. A growing number of students are graduating from HMP, continuing their musical journeys into adulthood, and returning as teachers and leaders within the organization.

This short film illuminates the beautiful cycle of cultural preservation and education as HMP expands.

INTEMPO

Stamford, CT

Featuring voices of INTEMPO’s Stamford community, the film delves into how immigrant inclusion and culturally sustaining music education foster self-confidence, a sense of belonging, and the empowerment of young people to achieve their personal goals.

Experience how INTEMPO unlocks the potential of young people through music education that emphasizes connection, community, and cultural identity.

RYSE

Richmond, CA

RYSE was founded in the early 2000s by young people committed to creating a safe space for expression, identity, and healing relationships for future generations.

The film delves into the journey of Ann, Khairee (Khai), and Dalia, former youth members who have transitioned to staff roles through RYSE’s Leadership Pathways program. They share their experiences with cycles of healing, self-expression, creative leadership, and youth empowerment at RYSE.

We Are Culture Creators (WACC)

Detroit, MI

“Hand and Flame” tells the story of We Are Culture Creators (W.A.C.C.), highlighting their growth in the Detroit community, accomplishments in music and education entrepreneurship, and vision for the future.

Through the perspectives of co-founders Michael Reyes and Elizabeth Stone, along with program alumni and current leaders Demaciiio and Shacoi Baptiste, the film delves into their journey in creating a youth-centered platform for professional development, strategic goal setting, aesthetics, leadership development, and artistic integrity.

These short films compellingly represent the outstanding work carried out by CYD organizations in equipping young people to become leaders in their communities.

In the 2023 video series, Beyond the Bars, Hyde Square Task Force, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, and Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective created unique videos that showcase the experiences of young people in Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Saint Louis.

Beyond the Bars

Philadelphia, PA

Beyond the Bars introduces viewers to their music programs, community and ecosystem of support as shared through the lens of students, alumni, teachers and community partners. The film provides a vibrant and heartwarming overview of the Beyond The Bars community and guiding principals.

Hyde Square Task Force

Boston, MA

Afro-Latin arts and culture is central to the mission and programming of Hyde Square Task Force. Through conversations with young people, staff, and teaching artists, explore why that focus on Afro-Latin arts matters. What does it mean for youth to have their identities and lived experiences front and center in our programming? This film reflects on the importance of this part of the Hyde Square Task Force model.

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit

Detroit, MI

The film “Creating Change: How Mosaic Activates, Connect, Prepare and Amplify” invites us to see behind the curtain of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Hear from talented young artists, passionate alumni, and dedicated staff as they share how Mosaic is creating equity through the arts for Detroit area youth.

Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective

Saint Louis, MO

The film “Pick the City UP'“ describes the vision and story of the young artists at Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective to create a safe studio space that fulfills the needs and dreams identified by the group. Over a year, the young artists worked with designers and mentors to identify activities, colors, technology, and furnishings for the new, expanded facility. Alongside the film, a new song and music video was created as a call to action to make the city a safer and healthier place for all.

“Pick the City UP” - Song

(Chorus)

The peace is rising, stopping violence,

Yeah, we vibing, no longer silent.

We hush sirens, with what we are writing.

Come and vibe with Story Stitchers; come and sign in.

It's time to pick the city up, It's time to pick it up. (All we got is us).

It's time to pick the city up, It's time to pick it up. (Watch we build it up)

The Lewis Prize for Music in partnership with Accelerator Awardees, Community MusicWorks, The David’s Harp Foundation, and My Voice Music, launched the first Accelerating Change Video Series in 2021.

Individually produced by each award-winning organization, these videos detail stories of youth experiences in leadership, racial equity and social justice, and collective action in their communities.

We dedicate this series to Ian Mouser, whose legacy and contributions continue to profoundly impact our community.

Community MusicWorks

Providence, RI

As we look to the future, it is important to remember those who came before us. 

On a recent warm spring afternoon, friends gathered at the site of Community MusicWorks’ future home to honor the past, present, and future of the land and celebrate the world premiere performance of a commissioned piece: Traces.

This film tells the story of Traces, a sonic collaboration between Community MusicWorks, composer Shaw Pong Liu, the Rhode Island Historical Society, and numerous individuals from the West End community and neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island with the aim of tracing, acknowledging, and celebrating the history of what is now called 1326 Westminster Street.

The David’s Harp Foundation

San Diego, CA

"Pillars" is a short film (seven vignettes) that documents the "Seven Pillars of Relationship" that comprise the core of The David's Harp Foundation's  (TDHF) creative community. Each vignette details the philosophical concept, relevant lived experience, and practical application that TDHF  has gleaned from 12 years as a Creative Youth Development organization. 

In addition to its documentation of TDHF's Pedagogy of Relationship,  "Pillars" stands as a model of providing youth equitable access to professional content creation and economic development opportunities.  All of "Pillars"  production elements were proudly produced in partnership with youth,  from instrumental tracks to animation sketches. 

The "Pillars" are: 

Flashlight First, Common Unity, People are Priority, Walking through the  Mud, Keepers of the Cocoon, Leave the Door Open, and No L's Just Lessons.

My Voice Music

Portland, OR

Through the lens of students, parents, teachers and MVM staff, My Voice Music explores the “secret sauce” in their programs that amplify young voices and ignite self-discovery through music.

The process of writing an original song, recording it in the studio with a band and then releasing it to the public mirrors what it takes to be an independent recording artist today. Through this method, students from all backgrounds grow as artists, and as confident community leaders.

Dedicated In Memory of Ian Mouser

Founder and Executive Director of My Voice Music