BOUT MINE I MATTER YOUTH GUN VIOLENCE DETERRENT PROGRAM
The Bout Mine I Matter Youth Gun Violence Deterrent Program is a unique initiative in Philadelphia, PA that empowers teenagers to combat gun violence through creative video production. This program teaches teens essential video production skills while also fostering solutions to gun violence by encouraging young people to use their creative talents to bring awareness and understanding to the issue. Through the Bout Mine I Matter program, young people can make a positive impact on their communities while building valuable skills and gaining confidence. Join us in our efforts to promote a safer, more peaceful future for all.
I lost my brother to Gun Violence in the Summer of 2020.
Allen Taylor aka Tanch, was a son, father, brother, artist, and entrepreneur. He loved speaking with young men about life in the “hood” and encouraging them to break the cycle of poverty for their families.
He was loved. His Life Mattered!
On May 31, 2020, my brother left home to go to the store and never returned. He was shot 3 times, once in the head. He was pronounced dead at 12:02 am June 1, 2020, just 1 week shy of his 35th birthday.
There are far too many families who are dealing with the same pain I feel everyday, the pain of losing a person they love to gun violence. This project is my way of working toward progress in breaking the cycle of gun violence.
Empowering Youth, Amplifying Germantown: The 5 Shorts Project Launches New Initiative
The 5 Shorts Project, under the leadership of Executive Director Shameka Sawyer, is proud to announce a new initiative: Germantown Amplified. This program empowers teenagers in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood by equipping them with video production skills while giving local businesses a much-needed boost.
Germantown Amplified is born from a desire to rewrite the narrative. Shameka, a resident of Germantown herself, established the program after a personal tragedy – the loss of her brother to gun violence. Germantown Amplified aims to combat negative stereotypes by showcasing the positive aspects of the neighborhood through the eyes of its young people.
The program pairs teens with local businesses, allowing them to learn the art of storytelling through creating one-minute promotional videos. Mentorship from experienced filmmakers provides participants with valuable technical and creative skills while fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement. Businesses, in turn, benefit from high-quality video content that captures the essence of their offerings and reaches a broader audience.
Germantown Amplified is more than just a video production program; it’s an investment in the future. By empowering young people with marketable skills and fostering a sense of pride in their community, Germantown Amplified helps build a brighter future for both the participants and the neighborhood itself.
Invest in Change, Invest in Germantown Amplified
The 5 Shorts Project is seeking your support to make Germantown Amplified a reality. Your contribution will provide critical resources for equipment, training, and mentorship, ensuring the program’s success. Together, we can empower young people, amplify the positive in Germantown, and create a ripple effect of positive change.