Ground breaking documentary seeks to challenge minority performance as it probes the cracks in the unconstructive national education system
Documentary supported by Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Open Institute Society and Ford Foundation among others
- New York, NY (1888PressRelease) July 22, 2010 - A quality education is the key to success and if nationwide, only 48% of African American males are graduating high school, what does the future of black America look like and who is responsible to address this critical program? This is the question asked in Beyond the Bricks, a new short-form documentary and ground-breaking national community engagement campaign produced by New York based production company Washington Koen Media. With the goal of promoting solutions for the low performance of black males in America's public school system, the film takes an unfiltered look at one of the country's most critical problems. Anchored by a targeted 10 city community engagement tour, celebrity PSAs, interactive web portal and other grassroots initiatives, Washington Koen Media are embarking on the mission of creating meaningful dialogue and positive opportunities for communities to take action and become a catalyst for change.
Beyond the Bricks engulfs viewers within minutes of the opening credits as it follows teenagers, Shaquiel Ingram and Erick Graham who struggle to stay on track in the Newark, New Jersey's public schools. Weaved into the story are vital information and statistics that give a clear picture of some of the alarming practices of our nation's schools, as well as commentary from leading community voices and scholars including the Reverend Al Sharpton, Newark Mayor Corey Booker and Schott Foundation President and CEO Dr. John Jackson among others. Beyond the Bricks explores the impact that an intuitive and engaged community and its leaders can have on today's youth and challenges viewers to realize that the burden of educating an entire generation of young men falls not just on those in control of public schools and education policy but on the community as a whole. It is a story that transcends its subjects, and though it focuses on these captivating Newark students, the issues within it extend far beyond the borders of New Jersey to
urban enclaves throughout the nation.
Beyond the Bricks, to be released September 18, 2010, was created by Harlem, NY based production duo, Ouida Washington and Derek Koen, founders of Washington Koen Media Productions, a full service video production and media company focused on creating high impact media that boast socially responsible messages.
The two created the film as a way to look critically at the circumstances that are plaguing African‐American communities across the country, while using these two student's
personal stories as examples of what you find when you look beyond the statistics to recognize that there are reasons to be hopeful. "The lack of quality education is at once a local issue and a national dilemma, a school problem and a community concern," states documentary Producer Ouida Washington. "Our National Campaign is one we hope will bring all the community stakeholders together to inspire them to make necessary change happen, not only where they are but also beyond."
This sentiment is echoed by film director Derek Koen: "I made Beyond the Bricks because I want young black males to know that there are people who love them. I want people in their communities who they come into contact with on a daily basis to take responsibility and be positive role models. I want the people who are charged with educating them to do it genuinely from their hearts. Most of all I do not want them to settle."
Proclaiming the immediate need for education and community reform across the country, beginning in September the Washington Koen Media team will unite with leading national and local organizations to host a series of town hall events in 10 communities that have been identified by their struggling performance and graduation rates among black males. The tour will serve as a platform for discussion, with hope that through continued community efforts and a broadened sense of what constitutes successful change, the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that affect African‐American boys and their education can begin to take a turn for the best.
Beyond the Bricks will be available on DVD September 8, 2010 at www.beyondthebricksproject.com, and the national community engagement tour begins Sept, 18 in Jackson, MS. Additional tour dates TBA include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oakland, and Philadelphia.
For more information, please CONTACT:
Chris Goins Kasey Woods
PaperMediaNYC PaperMediaNYC
917.915.5229 917.213.9497
Chrisg ( @ ) PaperMediaNYC dot com Kasey ( @ ) PaperMediaNYC dot com
About Washington Koen Media
Washington Koen Media Productions (WKMP) is a full service video production and media company focused on creating high impact media that boast socially responsible messages. WKMP produces short-long form documentaries, presentations and other media for television, Internet, corporations, curriculums and private use. Launched in 2006 by filmmakers, Ouida Washington & Derek Koen, WKMP began with an expressed interest in producing stories that reflect the communities of color need for media to connect to their everyday issues and triumphs. It is a part of the Washington Koen Media Productions mission to supplement the mainstream media's news and information with short form projects that speak specifically to diverse cultural viewpoints. For additional information visit www.washingtonkoenmedia.com.
###
space
space
Satisfied Users & 
Approved Press Releases
Print
Email
Report Spam