By: Katelyn Chang, Staff Writer
In honor of Black History Month, Millbrae’s MCTV (Millbrae’s local news network and non-profit Public, Education, and Government station), in collaboration with the Millbrae ARC (Anti-Racist Coalition) has embarked on a new video series titled the “Black Heroes Project”. Black History Month originally began as a way of remembering important people and events from the African diaspora, and a time to celebrate African American achievements and recognize their central role in American history.
For the ‘Black Heroes Project’, student volunteers, with ages ranging from Elementary schoolers to College students, who had signed up to participate in the series, were invited to pick one inspirational Black American hero to speak about during their video segment. Some historical figures that students had chosen to speak about included Harriet Tubman, Madame CJ Walker, Muhammed Ali, and Mae Jemison.
With production taking place in-person at MCTV’s studio and recording sessions taking roughly 30 minutes each, participants were asked to research the hero/es of their choice and prepare a short 1-minute script. They were then filmed reciting their scripts in person, while maintaining all COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines. During the process, MCTV crew member Anthony Balunsat, conducted the directing through the entire process and led students through filming clips and cuts, giving them a taste of a real production experience.
When asked about her experience with being a part of the video series, An Dang (10) stated, “Working with the MCTV and Millbrae ARC on this project was a new experience that was both fun and made me more aware of the many heroes that have fought together for equality.” Lilian Chang (12), who chose Harriet Tubman as her hero added on, citing, “I was able to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the contributions Black Americans have made to better our society.”
Sara Johnson, Executive Director of MCTV, mentioned that the goal of this project was to increase community engagement by working with the Millbrae ARC as well as spread the message of Black History Month to Millbrae residents. Johnson hoped that these videos would continue the movement of breaking down racial barriers which was started within Millbrae through June’s George Floyd Black Lives Matter march.
You can watch the Black Heroes Project videos on MCTV’s Instagram, Facebook, or on TV on Comcast Channel 27, and AT&T Channel 99. Videos will be released all throughout the month of February to honor Black History Month.
In addition to the video series, Johnson is also beginning another initiative at Mills focused on Youth Civic Engagement. Still in the early developmental stages, the group’s mission statement is described as: “It’s our mission and responsibility to be the bridge of encouragement; fostering civic engagement through community members to express their voice and vision for all residents, businesses, and grassroots organizations. Documenting and preserving the evolving local history to include diversity, representation, transparency, inclusionary, and leadership through the use of media.”
With a goal and vision to provide low cost and/or free media services to local groups and organizations that represent the diverse community of Millbrae and promote public participation, this new organization is both youth-led and supported by MCTV in order to create community involvement that will foster leadership and shape the future city council and environment of Millbrae. Johnson is currently seeking more youth to be involved with the group; Any Mills students interested in bridging communication by providing media services and content that creates stronger community bonds, should contact Johnson at sara@mctv.tv.
