I don’t normally cover stories on my birthday, but this year was different. When I was asked to attend this event I didn’t have big birthday plans so I said sure why not. I’m glad I made the decision to go. Normally, when I cover a story I try to give you the who, what, where, when and why. My job is to leave my heart out of it. This was a wonderful event; I wish more could have attended and I hope to see more young men involved in the future.
In our current times there are so many more career opportunities available that were not available in our parent’s time or even just a decade ago. The young men that completed the “Still Feel Like Going On” program gained more than a free camera. Yes, each received a beautiful Nikon camera and a case on Aug. 17. They received expert guidance on how to use the camera, how to put it together and just working with their mentors was so valuable.
The venue, which was the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company’s space, was so appropriate. The lobby of that theatre was turned into a gallery and the reception space allowed the guests to view the photos, meet the photographers and nosh on hors d’oeuvres by Roxanne’s Take Out and Catering. I had an opportunity to speak to each program participant and we spoke about the subject of their photos. I was so happy to see fathers as the subject of many of the pictures and then to meet the fathers in person warmed my heart.
My father passed a love of cameras on to me. My daddy always had a camera and loved to take pictures. I’m fortunate enough to have his Brownie Hawkeye by Kodak on display in my home. My father passed in 1982, but those pictures that he took are still alive and well in my photo albums.
Sitting there on Aug. 17 got me to thinking about the great work that PBMF (Pittsburgh Black Media Federation) does for youth. For decades they have produced and hosted the Frank Bolden Urban Journalism Workshop. The program is designed to encourage high school youths from diverse backgrounds to enter the profession of journalism. Students meet with instructors, all of whom are employed in the media, for a week of rigorous training in meeting deadlines, producing and editing a paper, and producing and delivering a television and radio news program. I have seen the outcome of many of those programs; it is amazing what can be done in a week.
These types of programs should be added to the curriculum of our public schools. Young people need to know that there are a plethora of careers out there and what better place to get a taste than school. This Aug. 17, there was no cake, no candles, no one sang happy birthday but covering a story about six young men with a bright future was a great gift.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
