“Is there space for Black women In feminism?”
In Living Color is a multiplatform storytelling series created for and by Angelenos. We’re showcasing the vibrant tapestry of experiences of life in L.A. by amplifying unique voices, views and perspectives.
About this episode
“I’m Black. I’m a feminist. It’s complicated…” Da Vinci Communications High School senior Kamryn Washington leads a discussion on how identifying as a feminist or womanist is complicated when you’re also Black. Kamryn is joined by two of her schoolmates and her teacher to share perspectives and experiences.
Kamryn Washington (she/her) advocates for Black empowerment inside and outside of journalism. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and enjoys telling stories that are close to home. Kamryn wishes to shed light on the Black culture embedded into the streets of L.A., as well as issues within the Black community. A senior at Da Vinci Communications High School, she is co-president of Black Student Union and an anchor, editor and writer for the school’s newspaper, among other things. When she’s not doing schoolwork, Kamryn is an avid soccer player and loves spending time watching movies and with friends and family.
Ajane’ Dodson (she/her) is a 9th grade English Teacher at Da Vinci Communications High School. She grew up in Compton, which has shaped many of her views on education. Her love for English literature, along with her passion for social justice, serve as guiding inspirations for her teaching practice.
Janaan Shadid (she/her) is a senior at Da Vinci Communications High School who grew up in Inglewood. She loves creating short films and aims to bring more positive Black representation into the media through her work.
Madison Henderson (she/her) is a junior at Da Vinci Communications High School. She has a deep passion for writing and creating which is why she aspires to be a playwright and novelist. She carries this passion to school where she is a reporter and assistant editor for the school newspaper.
About the collaboration
In fall 2022, AfroLA began a partnership with Da Vinci Communications High School in El Segundo to highlight audio storytelling work produced by journalism students. Students’ work for class became the foundation for a live conversation exploring topics from the initial assignment with in-studio guests. Partnering with Da Vinci’s students, many of whom are students of color, enabled AfroLA to engage youth in the community by giving them a storytelling platform. Every step of production was driven by students with mentoring, editing and technical assistance from AfroLA as needed.
Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the creators of “Nena’s House of Blues,” a short film which steps into the night of a young woman who owns and lives out of an abandoned jazz club passed down to her by her late father When an odd visitor with captivating abilities arrives, Nena spirals into a whirlwind of memories, of both the jazz club and her own life. “Nena’s House of Blues” is available to watch on YouTube now. Listen to the original soundtrack here.
Credits
Reporting & host: Kamryn Washington
Video editing & production: Tiffany Brown
Original music: Cliff Brown
Special thanks to Santa Monica College’s Center for Media and Design for the use of their studio facilities for our recording session. We especially appreciate the coordination and cooperation of Professor Redelia Shaw and Broadcast Digital Media Technician Thoren Jorgensen.