Hazelwood Youth Media Justice Program (HYJMP) is an after school program aimed at teaching photography, audio, journalism and social media to youth in the greater Hazelwood area. Participants learn how to use digital equipment, basic journalism skills, + create podcasts, utilizing social media platforms all infused with principles of social justice. One intention of this program is to document and give voice to the youth’s perspective on the quickly changing neighborhood of Hazelwood.
The first pilot program launched on Feb. 5th. 2015, included trips to the Hardware Store a local digital co-working space, interviewing long time Hazelwood residents, and attended the Allied Media Conference in Detroit. You can listen to youth interviews from Detroit on our Soundcloud. Some members of HYJMP started their own business called Documentous and you can hire them to photograph your events and momentous occasions by emailing – documentous.youth@gmail.com
Follow the links for more information on
How to Apply & Download Application
Below are the Teaching Artists + Staff from the 2015 Program
Njaimeh Njie is a multimedia producer based in Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, Njaimeh taught high school English for three years while earning a master’s degree in Secondary Education. She’s since backpacked solo through Europe and Africa, and currently works as a freelance videographer, producer, photographer, and writer. Her work focuses on documenting efforts for diversity and inclusion in a rapidly evolving city.
Bekezela Mguni is a radical librarian, reproductive justice and Human Rights activist, doula and cultural worker. she believes the collective sharing of knowledge, beauty and inspiration is a part of life’s purpose and brings that spirit to her work. Immigrating from San Fernando, Trinidad, Bekezela has over 10 years of community organizing experience, in which she has worked with LGBTQ communities, youth, women and people of color. In 2004 she co-founded New Voices Pittsburgh: Women of Color for Reproductive Justice, the only Human Rights organization in Pittsburgh about, led by and for women of color. Bekezela is a proud member of the Ujamaa Collective a business cooperative for women of African Descent. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and served as a member of the Librarians and Archivists to Palestine delegation in June of 2013. She is a servant leader and proud to be a bridge builder in Pittsburgh.
As a proclaimed philanthropist, LaToya Williams is dedicated to being a change leader in her community. Her background in chemical and biomedical engineering and math instructor let the stage for her literacy and education initiative. Williams founded IERN WILL, Inc. -an educational consulting company committed to creating and replicating systems that are Inevitably Evolving and Revolutionary by Necessity While Inspiring Lifelong Learning for our youth. Williams developed an engineering-infused curriculum that exposes learners to engineering design principles and connects lessons to content areas of literacy in T.E.A.M.S. -technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and science.
Sean Cameron Means is from Atlanta Georgia. Growing up he enjoyed playing several sports and developed a passion for photograph. While at Morehouse College he played collegiate golf, studied abroad at London’s University of Westminster and interned for the Walt Disney Company. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he took a job in Public Relations, traveling to New Zealand to work on their nation’s Olympic bid. He later returned to the states, joining Mr. Barack Obama’s campaign staff, serving in the field and later with The Presidential Transition Team in The Department of Foreign Aid. He is now a teacher at Pittsburgh Classical where he teaches history. As a photographer he has had the chance to work in the field of wedding photography, which keeps him busy during the summer months. He also had a gallery in Pittsburgh entitled “ Memories from Monticello” an exhibit that showcases the talent and ambition of the students of Westinghouse in Homewood and he was part of the first Still Feel Like Going on Photography Project.
Lizzie Anderson is an independent radio journalist, community doula, citizen scientist, mediator, workshop facilitator, restorative justice promoter, professional feedback giver and co-facilitator of several support groups. Her interest in anti-oppression was sparked through advocating with people in prison, studying racism, working in shelters for survivors of domestic violence and people who experience chronic homelessness due to mental health and addiction. The background to all of her work has been informed by a deep belief in the necessity to make bold and considerate changes to this world and has been
influenced by years of anti-oppression training from many conferences, community trainings, and as a co-founder member of WHAT’S UP, Working and Healing to Abolish Totally Supremacy Undermining Privilege.
Anqwenique Wingfield is a highly sought after vocalist and teaching artist specializing in opera, classical music, jazz and soul. A Pittsburgh native, Anqwenique was heavily influenced by music in her younger years through her father, Pittsburgh jazz guitarist, Ronald Wingfield. She began her music studies at the Afro-American Music Institute in Homewood at the age of 11 in piano. As a teaching artist, Anqwenique has shared her talents and experience with many young singers and musicians in Pittsburgh. She conducted an after school choral program at Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 and helped coach students for CAPA auditions, a program offered through the MGR Foundation. She currently teaches voice and Piano Hope Academy of East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Anqwenique spent many childhood years growing up in Hazelwood.
D.S. Kinsel’s work is a reflection of his race, culture, and generation. He strives to encourage audiences to reevaluate their ideas of fine art. His work shows in a number of venues across Pittsburgh including Future Tenant, Shaw Galleries, ASSEMBLE and ImageBox. In 2012 Pittsburgh City Paper ranked Kinsel’s Twitter profile the 3rd best in the city. Kinsel was a recipient of the New Pittsburgh Courier “Fab 40” Award in 2012. Kinsel was recently recognized as a 2013 Pittsburgh Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree. Darrell also works with youth in the realm of arts on the everyday and has recently co-founded Boom Concepts a multi-purpose creative space in Garfield.
Tom Jefferson is a painter and photographer. Much of his work is produced using found and recycled objects. He studied art starting at an early age, attending Carnegie Museum of Art, the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and pre-college art classes at Carnegie Mellon University. While in the 12th grade at Allegheny High School, he was awarded an internship at Alcoa’s Corporate Design Department. Upon Completion of training at the US Naval School of Photography, he work as a photographer and electronic camera repairman. Tom’s first art gallery, EYES was located in Wilkinsburg, PA. He later became one of the founding members of the Silver Eye Center for Photography. At that time it was known as BLANT IMAGE and was located on Forbes Ave, One block from the Carnegie Museum of Art. Tom’s Mantra is, LIFE IS ART. ART IS LIFE. ART IS GOOD
Terrell Johnson is Hazelwood all day! Co-founder of P.O.O.R.L.A.W., Terrell was wrongly convicted of murder and spent 17 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The injustice that befell Terrell and his family was the inspiration for this organization that seeks to up lift the neighborhood, the youth, and bring unity back to the community.
Etta Cetera is a bridge builder, volunteer mediator, screen printer, and a steward of spaces for people to express their creativity. Over the years she has dabbled in independent journalism by way of community radio, tv, and web design. In 2004 Etta received a Creative Activism Award from the Thomas Merton Center, Pittsburgh’s Peace and Justice Center and in 2014 received the Volunteer of the year award from New Voices Pittsburgh. She has worked with P.O.O.R.L.A.W. in some capacity for 5 years
P.O.O.R.L.A.W 
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