Discovering the self within, self expression workshops

The media plagues society and its citizens with negative stereotypes and views of individuals especially of lower-income, minority groups. The media plays a major role in creating and reinforcing images that are generalized to a broader group that affects the public's perception of crime and negative issues that go on in society. These negative images and labels are then pushed onto those most vulnerable; our youth, especially our youth of color. If these are the only images out there of youth of color to see of themselves they become more susceptible to playing out these negative images and reinforcing these stereotypes. By empowering our youth to come to build confidence within themselves that allow them to reconstruct and redefine their own identities, instead of what the media or society labels their identity as, will they then be able to create their own realities. Creating avenues of opportunity for self-expression through the Arts whether through music, poetry, spoken word, painting etc.-youth will be able to channel and express both positive and negative issues happening in their lives, and their thoughts, ideas, and experiences through constructive means.Integrative Service Projec