Open Letter Project: Virtual Harlem Machinima
Produced by Bryan Carter, Jason Knapp (UT), Crystal Emery (CT), Mary Tuti Baker (HI)
The Virtual Harlem Machinima Project synthesizes the debate and dialogue around politics, race and identity in the United States, spanning from the Harlem Renaissance to this past election, advocating for active citizenship. A McCain vs. Obama debate between "Girl Next Door" and "Virtual Harlem Enthusiast" segues into a journey into Second Life's Virtual Harlem. We progress through different conversations about politics, imagery and the unique responsibilities of artists of color among various political, artistic and intellectual leaders of the Harlem Renaissance. These "virtual" scenes with Zora Neale Hurston, WEB DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., Arturo Schomburg, Oscar Micheaux, etc., are supported by relevant historical footage, such as clips of DW Griffith’s "Birth of a Nation" and Marcus Garvey's "Back to Africa" parade. The journey concludes with our original avatars and the Harlem Renaissance leaders composing a collective letter to our future president, demanding healing for a wounded American psyche, and composing a civic-minded social network that spans decades and transcends geography.
Comments | hide
The popularization of black art and culture is a story with many chapters. In these selections an attempt...
Here are titles, which through the exploration of sometimes-controversial themes and characters highlight...
The language of media production and distribution is one that has often written its own script. The artist...
"Africa: Open For Business" probes into the world of successful African businesses and exposes myths...
The Masculinity Project Widget; on demand content directly from the Masculinity Project Channel.
Harlem Greenthumb 10mins
A group of retired black men, who have formed a bond around a municipal garden for over ten years, deal with losing their space.
We Will Not Die Like Dogs 50mins
African AIDS activists from a diverse array of generations and countries tell stories of their work and the challenges they face.
We invite you to take a "geo" journey with us around Washington, D.C., a city that has strong liberation and freedom roots in the development of our great country.
The "Fueling Voices" New Media Institute 2008 project is a collage of shared and user generated information.
None on Record: Nick 05mins 24secs
After arriving to New York City, Nick entered into Columbia University on fellowship. Transitioning from female to male in his third year of study.
Perceptions Shattered 51' 26
A series of audio stories produced by youth producers in partnership with Public Radio Exchange (PRX) and WBEZ Chicago working with a variety of youth producers.
NMI 2007 ~ Juke Joint Live 5mins
As part of NBPC's 2007 New Media Institute, Jacqueline Olive and Darcie Sanders create an audio pod exploring the history of juke joints in Mississippi
NMI 2006 ~ The Other Side 3mins 16secs
Ever wondered what would happen if you kept throwing a tennis ball at a wall?
NMI 2006 ~Black Hole 2 mins
A video-textural exploration of the physics of well-being as it relates to blackness.
Made In Lesotho 5mins 36secs
Jennifer Chen runs a socially conscious production factory in Lesotho that ships to global businesses like Footlocker and The Gap.
NMI 2007 ~ Remixing The Blues 1min 34secs
As part of NBPC's 2007 New Media Institute, producers around the nation convened in Jackson Mississippi to document the blues through new media.
From Black Power To Black Monday 11mins 51secs
Produced by Howard University students for NBPC's Eyes On The Prize New Media Competition
Daallo Airlines 6mins 41secs
Not withstanding a collapsed government, Somalian businessman Mohammed Yassin Olad maintains a successful, and critical, airline business.
Ruff N' Tumble In Nigeria 9mins 33secs
Decade-long CNN journalist Carol Pineau profiles a successful entrepreneur in Lagos, Nigeria.