ASK ME ABOUT: The organization’s move this summer to a new 5,000-square-foot location at Teri Studios.
HOW WILL THE NEW SPACE HELP ADVANCE THE MISSION OF ELEMENTZ? The new space will provide an opportunity to reimagine our program offerings, work intentionally with like-minded nonprofit organizations to create a network of safe spaces for youth, and also work toward creating a safer city where our young people are informed, inspired, and encouraged to dream big.
HOW DOES THE ORGANIZATION’S FOUNDING MISSION CONTINUE TO IMPACT YOUNG ADULTS? Elementz was the brainchild of four community organizers responding to the murder of Timothy Thomas in 2001 and the civil unrest that followed. We are committed to exposing our young people to college and career pathways in the creative fields. We leverage hip hop culture to do so because hip hop is arguably the most impactful and most accessible American art form in existence.
WHAT IS THE NEW CREATIVE FUTURES MOBILE UNIT? It was a vision made possible through the generosity of the Haile Foundation. As a result of the pandemic, we experienced significant declines in attendance at our center, and our team and board of directors wanted us to intentionally “meet our families where they are.” We’re currently Getting the Creative Futures Mobile Unit outfitted with dance, music production, and videography and photography equipment, with the goal of taking our programming to schools, churches, community centers, and citywide events.